Why dentists should return to the anatomy laboratory

Anatomy has traditionally been taught as a foundational subject completed before clinical dental training, with limited opportunities for structured anatomical education after graduation. However, advances in implant dentistry, periodontal and regenerative surgery, injectable therapies, imaging, and orofacial pain management increasingly require detailed and clinically contextualized anatomical knowledge. This Perspective argues that anatomy should be regarded as a lifelong component of dental education rather than a preclinical prerequisite. Clinical experience generates anatomical questions that students may not yet recognize, allowing practicing dentists to reinterpret anatomy through the lens of patient care. At the same time, contemporary anatomical research continues to identify clinically relevant variations, tissue relationships, and structural continuities, demonstrating that anatomy remains an active clinical science. Continuing professional development should therefore incorporate clinically oriented anatomy education, particularly cadaveric dissection, which enables direct appreciation of anatomical variability, tissue planes, three-dimensional relationships, and operative perspectives. The goal is not simply to teach dentists more anatomy, but to help them ask better anatomical questions throughout their careers. Integrating anatomy into continuing education may improve clinical decision-making, prevent avoidable complications, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce associated medicolegal risk.