Abstract
The mandible is a complex bony structure within the head. It either contains or has specific anatomical landmarks for several important nerves and vessels which provide innervation and vascular supply to teeth, bone, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues. As dental clinicians, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the anatomical structure and landmarks of the mandible. There are many procedures including anesthesia, restoring defective teeth, extraction of impacted third molars and placement of implants where the dentist must have a thorough knowledge of the osseous structure of the mandible. During the freshman year at Creighton University, first year dental students spend one semester in head and neck anatomy. This course is taught using both a traditional lecture format and cadaver laboratory dissection. We sought to utilize cone beam computed technology to offer 3‐dimensional anatomy as an adjunct to their education. A QuickTime video of the normal anatomy of the mandible using cone beam computed tomography images was created using axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. The video was distributed to the students as part of the regular course content. At the end of the course, students were provided a brief questionnaire to evaluate the resourcefulness of the video as an adjunct to their education.
Grant Funding Source: Departmental