The Mallampati score (or Mallampati classification) is a simple, non-invasive chairside assessment used to predict the complexity of managing a patient’s airway. It was traditionally developed by Dr. Seshagiri Mallampati in the 1980s for assessment of the ease of endotracheal intubation. The aim is to visualise structures in the oropharynx. 

Though mainly used by anaesthetists, it is relevant in dentistry especially when considering treatment under conscious sedation or general anaesthetic.