Course Outline for Dental Hygiene 60
Dental Anatomy and Morphology

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 03/27/2021

Catalog Description:

DHYG 60 - Dental Anatomy and Morphology

1.50 Units

Development and anatomical structures of the head and neck, oral cavity and dentition. Tooth identification including: tooth anatomy, eruption patterns, tooth numbering systems, anomalies, and occlusion. Restorative considerations and classifications.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program, Corequisite: DHYG 60S, DHYG 69A and DHYG 71A.
CB03: TOP Code 1240.20 - Dental Hygienist*
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 1.50 27.00 54.00 81.00
Total 1.50 27.00 54.00 81.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. explain oral histology and embryology;
  2. identify histologically the normal structures of the oral cavity;
  3. describe the embryonic development of the head, neck and oral cavity;
  4. discuss the basic cellular structures as it relates to dental anatomy and morphology;
  5. describe the embryonic development of the teeth;
  6. identify tooth form and function, distinguishing major crown and root characteristics;
  7. communicate and apply the universal, palmer and FDI numbering systems;
  8. evaluate and communicate the development, eruption and exfoliation cycles of both the primary and permanent dentitions;
  9. differentiate between deciduous and permanent dentitions;
  10. interpret the classification of occlusion and recognize early signs of deviation in deciduous, mixed and permanent dentitions;
  11. identify and analyze common dental anomalies found in the dentition;
  12. identify and communicate the major parts of a tooth;
  13. identify each of the five surfaces of a tooth and locate the point and line angles;
  14. interpret and apply principles of dental notation as it relates to restorative charting;
  15. distinguish between and identify the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth;
  16. identify major and supplemental grooves and cusps of the teeth.

Course Content:

  1. Oral histology and embryology of the oral cavity
    1. Landmarks of the face and neck
    2. Surface anatomy
  2. The dentition (permanent and deciduous)
    1. Tooth development, eruption and exfoliation
    2. Tooth numbering systems
    3. Tooth form and identification
      1. Crown morphology
      2. Root morphology
    4. Anomalies of the dentition
    5. Occlusion / malocclusion
  3. Dental terminology
    1. Primary and permanent dentition
    2. Dentition periods
      1. Primary, permanent, mixed
    3. Terms related to tooth orientation
  4. Form, function and alignment of the dentition
    1. Functional movement of the mandible
    2. Angle's Classification of malocclusion
    3. Parafunctional habits
  5. Restorative Charting
    1. Classification of dental caries
    2. Classification of dental restorations
    3. Restorative materials
  6. Periodontium
    1. Regional differences in oral mucosa
    2. Functions of the periodontal structures
    3. Classifications of periodontal structures  

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Audio-visual aids
  2. Demonstration on models/typodonts
  3. Group Activities/Discussions
  4. Lecture/Discussion
  5. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Chapter assignments
  2. Draw anatomical renditions of primary and permanent dentition, including identification of anatomical features
  3. Anatomical worksheets on primary and permanent dentition
  4. Orthodontic Office Interview Report
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Class Participation
  2. Graded written assignments
  3. Pre-lecture quizzes
  4. Charting competency
  5. Midterm Examination
  6. Final Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. integrate and identify the histology of tooth structures related to embryological tooth development and tooth anomalies;
  2. identify and state distinguishing anatomical features of the dentition;
  3. complete a restorative charting procedure at a level of competency;
  4. discuss Angle's classification of malocclusion and orofacial myofunctional considerations and how it relates to patient care.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Fehrenbach, M. J. & Popowics, T. (2016). Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology & Anatomy (4th ). El Sevier:Saunders.
  2. Boyd, L. D., Mallonee, L. F., & Wyche, C. J. (2021). Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist (13th). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Additional Materials:
  • Typodont (student instrument issue)
  • Multi-color (red/black/blue) pen

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Development and anatomical structures of the head and neck, oral cavity and dentition including: tooth anatomy, eruption patterns, tooth numbering systems, anomalies, and occlusion.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program, Corequisite: DHYG 60S, DHYG 69A and DHYG 71A.