

Head, Neck, & Dental Anatomy

Course Details

Course Number
DNHY 3124
Fall 2014
Bridwell Hall
Classroom Number
Days & Times

Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

Debra Kelley (view Profile)

Course Attachments


Course Objectives



Through lectures, individual and group discussion, reading assignments, and lab exercises, the students    should be able to:


  1. Identify by name the two dental arches, the permanent teeth, the deciduous teeth, and anterior and  

posterior teeth.

  1. Describe the order in which the teeth are positioned in the dental arch, the function of each type of  

tooth, and the eruption sequence of deciduous and permanent teeth.

  1. Identify the areas of the oral cavity, the boundaries of the oral vestibule, and the boundaries of the 

      oral cavity proper.

 4.  Describe each structure of the oral cavity as to location, color, size, and/or shape.

 5.  Differentiate between, and describe the location of major and minor salivary glands, and classify

      each according to its secretion.

 6.  Identify the duct for each major salivary gland.

 7.  Discuss the components and function of the lymphatic system, and identify and correctly palpate

       the lymph nodes in the head and neck regions.

 8.  Identify the divisions of the tooth, the surfaces of the tooth, tissues of the tooth, and tissues of the


 9.  Describe each tooth tissue and those of the surrounding structures as to location, composition, and


10.  Define the terms: active and passive eruption, proliferation, supernumerary, and anomaly.

11.  Describe proximal contact areas, interproximal spaces and embrasures, and give their importance to

       the function and integrity of the masticatory system.

12.  Define Curve of Spee, Curve of Wilson, Angle's classification of occlusion and the associated types

       of facial profiles.

13.  List and explain deviations of individual tooth positioning.

14.  Define functional occlusion, and differentiate between functional and parafunctional contacts.

15.  List the types of trauma from occlusion and correctly identify the effects of occlusal trauma.

16.  List four signs of trauma that may occur in trauma from occlusion.

17.  Identify the names, number and eruption dates of the deciduous teeth.

18.  Using extracted teeth, identify the maxillary and mandibular incisors, canines, premolars, and

        molars, and describe the location and contour of each.    

19.  Using human skulls and diagrams, correctly identify the location of the cranial and facial bones,

        and the anatomical landmarks of each.

20.  Using human skulls and diagrams, correctly locate and identify the anatomical landmarks on the

       mandible and maxilla including specified foramina and canals.

21.  Locate and describe the components of the TMJ.

22.  Describe the origin, insertion, and function of the muscles of mastication, the muscles of facial

       expression, the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.

23.  Correctly identify each muscle of the head and neck.

24.  Describe the location and function of the muscles of the tongue, soft palate, and pharynx.

25.  List and describe the papillae of the tongue, and identify the function of each.

Course Expectations


During the semester you will be expected to attend a minimum of two (2) professional presentations outside of regularly scheduled dental hygiene courses.  You will develop a portfolio including the following information: 1) certificates of attendance (if provided); 2) dates, locations and hours of attendance; 3) presenter (including all professional titles and certifications); 4) copies of all course notes/materials provided.  This portfolio will continue to be developed as you progress through the

Dental Hygiene Program. It is expected that upon successful completion of the requirements of the

Dental Hygiene program, and following graduation, this portfolio will provide an accurate assessment

of extra-curricular professional development for the individual.


Grading Standards




Dental Hygiene Honor System:











The following is excerpted from Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist,  9th Ed, by Esther M. Wilkins, Chapter 1: “Each dental hygienist represents the entire profession to the patient being served.  The dental hygienist’s expressed or demonstrated attitudes toward dentistry, dental hygiene, and other health professions, as well as toward health services and preventive measures, will affect the subsequent attitude of the patient toward other dental hygienists and dental hygiene care in general.

..... “A dental hygienist may be involved in a variety of moral, ethical, and legal situations as part of the daily routine.”


Final Course Evaluation:

 The lab exercise (teeth selection and mounting) and combined homework grade (homework papers will be averaged for one collective score ) will be averaged together to count as 10% of the final course grade. The 4 or 5 written exams, inclusive of the final, will be weighted equally and comprise the remaining 90% of the final course grade.   




Missed classes due to extreme illness and/or hospitalization associated with an illness will be evaluated by the course instructor on a case by case basis.



Lab. Exercise (mounting teeth):                              Grade = 100   

Homework Papers (Grades will be averaged):        Final grade =   98

Average =198 ) 2 = 99

 Exam 1 = 92                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Lab Practical = 86  

Exam 2 = 90                                   

Exam 3 = 86                            

Exam 4 = 82

 Final  = 94

Test Average = 530 ) 6 = 88.33


To calculate  10%: 99 x 1 = 99

To calculate  90%: 88.33 x 9 = 794.99


794.99 + 99 = 893.99              848.99 ) 10 = 89.3      Final Course Grade = 89 / B



GRADING SCALE:   A grade of "C" is required for successful completion of this course.                     

A = 92-100             C = 75-82

B = 83-91               D = 65-74 (Constitutes Failure of Course in Dental Hygiene)                          







- Student conduct in a clinical experience, internship, or other work-related environment that negatively impact the student’s academic progress.    This conduct may include behavior which is prohibited by licensing and/or professional standards or departmental policy.

- Student removal from a program because of a) professional conduct issues, or b) failure to maintain academic standards required specifically by  the program*





Final Exam 12/09/2014 8:00am-12:00
Late Paper Policy

Homework Assignments:

Homework assignments will be given for each chapter of the textbook.  Homework assignments are due on the day that the chapter is begun.  No late papers will be accepted.  It is expected that the student will complete this work in conjunction with reading of the assigned chapters prior to classroom discussion of the topic. 

Plagiarism Policy


Student Honor Creed






Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities


Safe Zones Statement


Contacting your Instructor


Attendance Requirements



Attendance is critical in order to achieve the maximum benefits of this course.  Reviewing notes and the reading assignments without active participation in the course's clinical activities will not permit the student to adequately meet course objectives.  Therefore, MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES FOR ANY REASON WILL RESULT IN THE FINAL COURSE GRADE BEING LOWERED ONE FULL LETTER GRADE.    In cases of extreme illness and/or hospitalization, individual decisions may be made. 



 TWO (2) tardies will be the equivalent of 1 absence.


Students are responsible for all material presented in lecture as well as assigned reading.  It is the student's responsibility to obtain any handouts or notes missed in class.

Other Policies



Writing Proficiency Requirement


Campus Carry

