Master in oral biology program: A path to addressing the need for future dental educators.

In dental education, the anatomical sciences, which include gross anatomy, histology, embryology, and neuroanatomy, encompass an important component of the basic science curriculum. At Creighton University School of Dentistry, strength in anatomic science education has been coupled with a solid applicant pool to develop a novel Master of Science in Oral Biology, Anatomic Sciences track degree program. The program provides a heavy emphasis on developing teaching skills in predoctoral students as well as exposure to research processes to encourage the cohort to pursuing a career in academic dentistry. The individuals considered for this program are applicants for admission to the School of Dentistry that have not been accepted into the entering dental class for that year. The students undertake a two year curriculum, studying anatomic sciences with a special emphasis on teaching. The students also must complete a research project that requires a thesis. The students in the program are guaranteed acceptance to dental school upon successful completion of the program. After six years, the first ten students have received their Master of Science degrees and continued in dental school. The program is favorably viewed by the faculty and participating students. It is also considered successful by metrics. Nine of the ten graduates have said they would like to participate in academic dentistry in some capacity during their careers. Anat Sci Educ 10: 607-612. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.

Unique origin of the inferior alveolar artery.

The inferior alveolar artery is the major blood supply to the mandible and mandibular teeth. This artery has a very consistent path, originating from the maxillary artery and passing inferiorly until it enters the mandibular foramen, accompanied by the inferior alveolar nerve and vein. During routine dissection of a 90-year-old female cadaver, a unique origin of the inferior alveolar artery was observed on the left side. The artery branched off the external carotid artery, just superior to the stylohyoid and posterior belly of the digastric muscle in the posterior region of the submandibular triangle. From its starting point the artery passed superiorly in the stylomandibular fascia and made a curving arch into the pterygomandibular space to enter the mandibular foramen with the inferior alveolar nerve. The position and branching pattern of the maxillary artery were otherwise typical. The inferior alveolar artery on the right side displayed a normal branching pattern within the infratemporal fossa. Results of surgical procedures in this area, such as sliding osteotomy of the mandible, could be impacted by this anomaly.

Paresthesia associated with endodontic treatment of mandibular premolars.

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine how often paresthesia occurs and to examine the role of the anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The study took the form of a review of the records of the endodontic department at the Creighton University School of Dentistry, a literature review, and cadaver dissections. The result showed that of 6313 teeth treated during a 7-yr period, 832 were mandibular premolar teeth. The eight reported cases of paresthesia in that group reflected an incidence of 0.96%. Observations of dissected human-cadaver mandibles indicated that the paresthesias of the mandible could be related to the confinement of the IAN within the limits of the mandible. It was concluded that these paresthesias were related to the intrabony course of the IAN through the mandible, which contributed to the paresthesia symptoms.