"G. d'Annunzio"
No prerequisites.
The professional profile of dentists includes, among other theoretical and practical skills, skills in dental anthropology. The general objective of the course is to provide knowledge on the morphometric variability of the dental characteristics. The human dentition shows a morphometric variability linked to the sex and age of the patients, as well as to the population to which they belong. The knowledge of the variability of dental characteristics is the prerequisite for the correct collection of scientific data necessary for the application of odontological techniques such as, for example, those of personal identification in the forensic field. Specifically, the course aims to provide the knowledge and skills on the basic methodologies necessary to undertake study and research activities in the field of Dental Anthropology. The course therefore intends to present methodologies of analysis, case studies, practical applications in the study of teeth. In particular, it illustrates the classic research methods and the new survey methods applied in Dental Anthropology based on the experiences gained by the Anthropology Section of the "G. d'Annunzio" University.
The University Internship Program describes the morphometric variability of the dentition of both the species that preceded modern humans and of current human populations. It also describes the main archaeological and forensic survey techniques that have teeth as data source.
Introduction to Dental Anthropology with presentation of the program. Definition and history of the discipline. Overview of anatomy and dental histology. Importance of the study of human remains, in particular of the teeth, as a contribution to the history of medicine (in particular of the dental practice) and of the evolution of the masticatory apparatus. The study of teeth in paleoanthropology and palethnology: morpho-functional changes from early hominids to modern humans. Comparative odontology: comparison of the teeth of different living and fossil species. The study of teeth in archeology: reconstruction of eating habits, stress indicators (case study – Herculaneum population’s hypoplasia) and the state of health of a population (paleopathology). Variability of dental wear. Methods of studying dental wear caused by feeding, cultural practices, intentional modifications. Importance of the study of teeth in application to forensic odontology. The variability of metric characters. Variability concept. Tools and methods. Case studies. Variability of nonmetric characters, or "anomalies". Causes and manifestations. Case studies. Sexual dimorphism and age estimation. Utilities in physical and forensic anthropology. The diachronic and synchronic ethnic variability. Case studies on ancient and modern populations. New investigation techniques: μCT in the light of Sincrotrone; study of trace elements (e.g. laser ablation). Exercise in the osteology laboratory of the Operative Unit of Anthropology: osteometry; identification of maxillary and mandibular fragments; identification of dental elements. Wear analysis; age estimate.
At the moment there are no reference books, so that, during the course and during the exercise, a dispensation will be provided consisting of articles and chapters from monographs of interest to the dental anthropology.
Lectures and laboratory activities, which will take place at the Operative Unit of Anthropology of the "G. d'Annunzio" University (c/o Museo Universitario).
The exam will consist of an oral exam.
Student reception on Tuesday at 10:00–12:00 AM at the Operative Unit of Anthropology (c/o University Museum). Telf.: 0871 3553519 E-mail: joan.viciano@unich.it
