Dental Occlusion
Course Director: James Newman
Credits: 3
Quarters/Yr of Program: Winter / 1
Course Overview
In this lecture and laboratory course, first-year dental students learn how to recognize and develop an optimal occlusion and proper tooth anatomy. This course expands upon the knowledge and manual skills that the students learned in DENTPC 510. Waxing techniques are used to teach students the development of a proper occlusion. Students will learn about principles of anatomy, mandibular movement, occlusion, etiologies of occlusal traumatism, principles in conjunction with techniques of occlusal adjustment, and bite splint therapy.
Learning Objectives
The student who successfully completes this course will be able to:
1. Correctly program a semi-adjustable articulator.
2. Develop proper anatomical form in teeth in maximum intercuspation and excursive movements.
3. Discuss the various occlusal schemes and the importance of centric relation and maximum intercuspation.
4. Describe the relationship of occlusal morphology to mandibular movements and how variations in mandibular movements affect occlusal form.
5. Discuss the determinants of occlusion using the proper terminology, and how variations of these determinants modify occlusal pathways.
6. Complete basic dental laboratory procedures.
7. Demonstrate the mounting and use of the three-dimensional printed casts.
8. Explain what parameters are important for a clinically acceptable restoration.
9. Discuss the signs, symptoms, and etiology of occlusal traumatism.
10. Demonstrate the process of an occlusal adjustment.
11. Describe the role and function in specific mandibular movement of each of the muscles of mastication.
12. Complete temporomandibular joint exams.
UWSOD Competencies: C-01, C-10, C-15, C-19, C-20, C-21, C-22, CE-05
Date last updated: 2024-01-02