• NSU Home
• Dental Medicine
• CE
• Courses

It's Alive! The Anatomical Basis of Dentistry

This course is for dentists, hygienists and assistants who wish to gain a better appreciation for the anatomical basis of dental practice.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course reviews selected aspects of head and neck anatomy fundamental to the practice of dentistry. The topics will be approached from a functional perspective with emphasis on common anatomical variations, pertinent anomalies and important clinical applications. 

Program Outline:

• Osteology of the skull and development of the facial/cranial framework
• Anatomy of the face and salivary glands: trigeminal and facial nerves, autonomic nerve supply and the embryologic origins of these structures
• Anatomy of local anesthesia and injection techniques: innervation of the teeth and related oral structures
• Anatomy of chewing: muscles of mastication, TMJ, and fundamental biomechanics, including TMD disorders
• Anatomy of the oral cavity: palates, floor of the mouth, tonsils, tongue; anatomical considerations for implant placement
• Anatomy of swallowing: tongue action, role of the palates, and pharynx
• Anatomy of the airway: nasal cavity, sinuses, larynx, and respiratory tree; how do these bear on obstructive sleep apnea?
• Anatomy of the spread of infection: venous connections, lymphatics, fascial layers and spaces

COURSE SCHEDULE

 8:30 am - 9:00 am    Registration (Breakfast)
 9:00 am – 5:00 pm   Presentation (Lunch Included)

INSTRUCTOR BIO

ALAN W. BUDENZ, M.S., D.D.S., M.B.A.

Dr. Budenz is professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and is Vice Chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He received his graduate degree in Anatomy from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He has more than 35 years of general practice experience in San Francisco, has served as clinical group practice administrator and chair of the Department of Diagnostic and Emergency Services and is a general dentistry clinical floor instructor at Pacific, as well as having taught anatomy courses at Pacific since 1984. Due to his background, he is well qualified to combine basic anatomical instruction with practical clinical applications for dentists and hygienists alike. He has lectured internationally on local anesthesia, oral medicine, cariology, and the anatomical basis of dentistry topics, and for thirteen consecutive years, from 2005 – present, has been recognized as an Annual Leader in Continuing Education by "Dentistry Today".

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

By the end of this program, attendees will better understand:

• Basic anatomical relationships and landmarks which are key to accurate examination and evaluation of dental patients
• Detailed anatomy of the superficial face, the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joint, the infratemporal fossa, and the oral and nasal cavities, and how function and disease/injury conditions relate to the anatomy
• Anatomical considerations and variants that must be carefully taken into account when treatment planning placement of implant restorations
• Landmarks and anatomy for a wide range of local anesthesia injection techniques and a clearer understanding of potential complications of dental treatments
• The anatomical pathways and likely patterns of the spread of infection or cancer metastases in the head and neck region
• At least a few of the possible causes and management considerations when assessing potential sleep apnea signs and symptoms in patients