Research captures emotional and social realities of denture wearers
Questionnaire developed to better understand how dentures impact daily life and wellbeing.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new patient-focused tool designed to better understand the lived experience of people wearing removable partial dentures.
Published in the journal Gerodontology, the study introduces the Partial Denture Experience Questionnaire (P-DEQ), a novel measure that captures not only the clinical outcomes of denture treatment, but also its broader emotional and social impacts.
The study was a collaborative effort involving partners from the University of Sheffield, Queen’s University Belfast, Haleon, and the University of Lincoln.
Traditional dental research has largely focused on technical measures such as denture fit and stability. However, this new research reflects a growing shift toward understanding oral health through the lens of everyday life.
The P-DEQ is guided by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which emphasises how health conditions interact with a person’s environment and social participation. By adopting this framework, the research moves beyond viewing tooth loss purely as a clinical issue and instead explores how dentures affect confidence, communication, and quality of life.
A distinctive feature of the P-DEQ is its attempt to measure what researchers describe as the ‘paradox of positive health.’ Alongside identifying common difficulties associated with dentures, the tool also captures positive outcomes such as improved appearance, increased self-confidence, and the ability to speak or smile comfortably in public.
This dual perspective marks an important step forward, recognising that dental interventions can bring meaningful psychological and social benefits as well as clinical improvements.
Barry Gibson, Professor in Medical Sociology said: “Once fully refined, we hope the P-DEQ will become a robust tool for tracking patient experiences over time. Ultimately, this could help clinicians tailor treatments more effectively and ensure care better reflects the real needs of the millions of people living with tooth loss.”