DH 110 - Head, Neck and Oral Anatomy

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to dental terminology, morphology, and functional characteristics of teeth and occlusion will be presented. The embryologic development of the teeth and orofacial structures as well as the histogenesis, structure, and function of dental tissues are studied. Individual tooth development and eruption patterns of primary and permanent teeth are compared. A detailed study of the bones, muscles, nerves, vascular supply, and specialized tissues of the head and neck will be presented. Application to clinical dental hygiene is stressed. The minimum required passing grade is “C-” (80%). Matriculation in the DH program is required.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

describe and apply the appropriate anatomical terms, functions of teeth, and habitual relationships as they relate to tooth structures, landmarks, and occlusion;
apply the major dental coding systems, to determine the appropriate and inappropriate sequence of eruption patterns to identify the need for a referral;
determine the histogenesis, structures, functions, abnormalities, and clinical significance of enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum;
describe the anatomy, and physiology of the head, neck, and oral structures including skeletal, muscular, lymphatic, circulatory, and nervous systems, to develop the foundational knowledge necessary to perform a comprehensive extra/intraoral examination;
identify the bones, landmarks, and sutures of the head and neck region;
identify and describe the anatomy and functions of the temporomandibular joint, in health and disease;
identify the origin, and insertion, and describe the actions of all muscles associated with the head and neck;
identify the location, structure and describe the functional differences of the major and minor salivary glands;
identify the location, structure and describe the function of the major blood vessels of the head and neck;
identify the innervation, course, and distribution of the related nerve branches;
identify the relationship between head and neck anatomy and the local anesthesia of oral structures; and
identify the location, structure and describe the function of the lymphatic system of the head and neck and the course of distribution in the spread of dental infection.

Corequisites: All required fall semester, first year courses in the Dental Hygiene curriculum.
F (N)

Withdrawal from or failure of a required course prevents further progression in the curriculum. General education courses may be taken earlier than indicated but may not be taken later than the prescribed schedule.