Which statement accurately describes a Kennedy Class III RPD?

A Kennedy Class III removable partial denture (RPD) is characterized as a partially edentulous arch where there is one or more edentulous areas with natural teeth remaining both anterior and posterior to them. This means that the edentulous sites are located in the more posterior area of the arch, and the denture is supported by the remaining natural teeth, making it predominantly tooth-borne.

This classification essentially outlines a situation where the RPD does not involve the extension of the denture base beyond the last remaining natural tooth, which typically signifies that the denture gets its retention primarily from the anterior and posterior tooth structures. The other classifications involve different arrangements of tooth and edentulous spaces, like unilateral or bilateral distal extensions, but a Kennedy Class III RPD remains entirely tooth-supported while surrounding areas contain teeth.

In summary, the correct characterization of a Kennedy Class III RPD highlights the presence of teeth in both front of and behind the edentulous span, which is foundational to its stability and functionality.