In content, the book is conveniently divided into two parts. Chapters 1–7 deal with the fundamentals of planning and designing removable partial dentures with emphasis on the clinical implications of decision making. Chapters 8–11 deal with the details of the clinical application of the previously developed treatment plan.

The first chapter, “Partial Denture Provision,” deals with the interesting demographics of the partial denture patient population, a subject not usually developed and sometimes not even considered in many larger standard textbooks. The “Key Points” at the end of this chapter are:

• More people will retain some of their own teeth into old age, and the number of teeth retained will increase.
• The future need for partial dentures to restore aesthetic and functional limitations will increase.
• The long-term use of partial dentures is associated with an increased incidence of caries and periodontal disease.
• Replacement of missing front teeth is the main factor motivating the use of partial dentures. Improved mastication is of secondary importance.
• The provision of partial dentures should be based on a patient’s perceived need.

With this practical platform as a launching point, Dr. Jepson in subsequent chapters develops the idea of a “functionally oriented approach.” “Traditionally,” he says, “the replacement of all missing teeth was thought to preserve function and maintain occlusal stability—the concept of arch integrity.” However, “evidence describes . . . a ‘functional dentition’ as one with 21 or more teeth or, more specifically, one with at least three pairs of opposing posterior teeth.” His conclusion is that “a functionally oriented approach will result in a reduced but more effective provision of partial dentures.” In a nutshell, we should make partial dentures “based on a patient’s perceived need” rather than on the mere fact that some teeth are missing. Not all missing teeth need to be replaced.

Throughout the book, the procedures of examination, diagnosis, partial denture design, and construction follow well-established and accepted techniques with the goal of producing a comfortable, functional, esthetic, and stable prosthesis. The discussion of transitional partial dentures in chapter 7 is especially well done. The author states unequivocally that “designing partial dentures is a clinician’s responsibility and should not be delegated to the dental technician.” This is the long-sought-after ideal of academic dentistry but is seldom consistently achieved in real life by the general dentist. I believe a more achievable goal would be to acknowledge that most partial dentures are the design product of a consultation between the dentist and a dental laboratory technician. Several clinically related descriptions of procedure could be beneficially expanded because of their critical importance to the outcome. These include 1) making the master impression, 2) producing the master cast, and 3) preparing the laboratory work order/prescription.

This book is succinct, practical, clinically oriented, and pleasant to read. It would be an excellent addition to the professional library of any general dentist providing removable partial dentures for patients. It would also be suitable for a dental student or for the specialty practitioner seeking a condensed and evidence-based review. Perhaps the ultimate compliment to this author is to say that I bought the book and enjoyed reading it before being asked to review it!