ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the most frequently type of teeth required fixed rehabilitation by undergraduate students in Fixed Prosthodontics’ clinical appointments at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto, in two periods (1990–1994 and 2010–2014), defining new goals for pre-clinical practice. This study was based on a retrospective review of two-hundred patient reports, divided into two equal samples. A total of 357 teeth had been prepared, and the majority involved fixed bridge rehabilitation. No significant differences were found between quadrants. The maxillary teeth were the most frequently prepared and remained constant or increased between periods. Regarding the lower jaw, a significant difference was observed: the most frequently prepared teeth in 1990–1994 were molars, whereas in 2010–2014 were the canines and premolars. Pre-clinical practical teaching should thus focus on all the upper teeth and on lower premolars.
