Revised 05/2010

DNH 111 - Oral Anatomy (2 CR.)

Course Description

This course presents a study of the morphology and function of the oral structures with emphasis on the primary and permanent dentition, eruption sequence, occlusion, and intra-arch relationships. Lecture 2 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course provides an in-depth study of the human dentition which includes anatomical landmarks of the oral cavity, nomenclature as well as tooth and root morphology. Course Prerequisites/Co-Requisites None

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify structures in the oral cavity.
  • Recognize significant structural and functional forms of the human dentition and the effects on dental hygiene procedures.
  • Discuss variances in the morphological characteristics of the human dentition as they relate to vulnerability or resistance to dental disease, deposit retention, clinical instrumentation procedures, and oral hygiene instruction.
  • Describe protective functions of the human dentition related to proper alignment and functional relationships with one another.
  • Recognize normal occlusal relationships as well as malocclusion, malalignment, overjet, and overbite and their significance to dental treatment.
  • Clinically compare and differentiate between a deciduous and permanent dentition.
  • Describe the pattern of development and sequence of tooth eruption in the human dentition.
  • Identify periodontal structures and their significance to oral health.
  • Incorporate current knowledge with future radiographic information to accurately mount dental radiographs by examining the morphological characteristics of the dentition.
  • Produce and accurately label line drawings of one half of the adult dentition, maxillary and mandibular.
  • Identify extracted or pictures of individual teeth.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Anatomical Landmarks of the Oral Cavity
  • Anatomical Landmarks of the Supporting Structures
  • Dental Terminology
  • The Permanent Dentition
  • Root Morphology
  • The Primary Teeth
  • Eruption and Exfoliation
  • Occlusal Classifications and Relationships