The importance and relevance of anatomy and histology of the oral and dental tissues to dental prosthesists and dental technicians

Abstract

Introduction/Aim: The Australian Dental Association (ADA) defines dental prosthetics as “the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.” In order to be able to construct an intra-oral prosthesis that not only restores the missing teeth but also maintains oral function and in some cases replaces oral structures or parts of the face, a basic knowledge of dental laboratory techniques and dental material is not sufficient. Construction of artificial appliances requires a much more detailed knowledge in which histology and anatomy of oral and dental tissues both play a major role. Methods: Our review seeks to explore some of the most important factors of why oral histology and anatomy is essential in the career of a dental prosthesist and a dental technician, with a stronger emphasis on the former one, by answering the following key questions: 1. What is the purpose of studying histology for dental prosthetists/technicians? 2. What are the benefits of studying dental anatomy to dental prosthetists/technicians? 3. How these two subjects relate to dental geriodontics and geriatric clinical considerations? 4. How do they relate to constructing prosthetic and orthodontic appliances? 5. What are the other clinical considerations related to the profession of dental prosthetist/technician where the knowledge of histology and anatomy is essential? Results: Our review will show overwhelming evidence that studying oral histology and anatomy is of extreme importance in the career of a dental prosthesist and a dental technician. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that the knowledge of these two subjects will benefit both patients and clinicians and would lead to an improved health care.