Neuroanatomy for the dentist in the twenty-first century

Both the anatomy and physiology parts of national boards have questions on neuroscience. Currently, there are course guidelines established for dental neuroanatomy but not for dental neuroscience. As a result, there is great variability in what and how neurosciences are taught to dental students. At first glance, it is difficult to determine where neurosciences fit in the dental curriculum. One area where there is a close tie between basic science and clinical care is the realm of pain control. Since the Institute of Medicine study recommended that basic and clinical sciences curricula provide clinically relevant education, a neuroscience curriculum can integrate basic understanding of how the nervous system works in the care and management of dental pain. This paper describes the integrated approach to teaching neuroanatomy as a component of the head and neck gross anatomy course at the University of Louisville. This integrated strategy provides dental students with the basic concepts of neuroscience, pain pathways, autonomic nervous system, and detailed information on the cranial nerves.