Oral Development and Histology

From the Publisher

'. . .well-written and understandable text for both dental hygiene and dental students. . .numerous, complementary, and well-depicted figures and table are appropriately placed throughout the the text to enhance the reader's ability to grasp the meaning of the information. . .chapter information reorganized more appropriately with like materials. . .updated and expanded. . .clear, well-depicted informative illustrations and photographs [are] impressive. . .excellent text skillfully written. . .superbly provides the necessary details regarding oral, paraoral, head and neck development, and histology. I would recommend this text as a course text or a reference text for use in dental hygiene or dental education.' —The Journal of Dental HygieneA well-compsoed educational resource for dental students...color illustrations are extremely helpful...wonderful...a worthy addition to the dental student's library...a sound learning aid. —Doody's Review Journal

Reviewer: Julie A Gideon, BA/ D.D.S.(University of Chicago)
Description: This is a well-composed educational resource for dental students that gives sufficient background knowledge in the cellular development, anatomical structure, and function of the oral and adjacent tissues. The previous edition was published in 1994.
Purpose: According to the preface, the purpose is to "enable the student to learn the fundamentals underlying clinical treatment of the patient." For the specificity of the book, it seems the purpose is defined quite broadly (i.e., there are many more fundamentals to be discussed besides those in the book). However, the items that are covered are necessary essentials for the dental student. Based upon each individual chapter, the objectives are met quite well.
Audience: The target audience is the dental student. Based upon the level of education and career experience, Dr. Avery appears to be a very credible authority on this subject matter.
Features: This is an intense look at the formation and development of the structures of the oral and paraoral areas. In addition, some clinical advice and application pertaining to TMD, orthodontics, and implantology is included. The color illustrations are extremely helpful in the comprehension of the material. The chapter on histology of endosseous implants is current and well written. Other chapters discussing the basic histology of oral structures are appropriately thorough. However, I feel the chapter on wound healing is misplaced and would be better discussed in a physiology textbook. Also, the summary of this particular chapter is not a summation at all, but a continued recitation of extraneous information. The self-evaluation sections are helpful. Aside from the last chapter, the book is well-organized. It would be a worthy addition to a dental student's library.
Assessment: This is a wonderful resource for the dental student. The decision to add color illustrations was extremely smart and appropriate for better comprehension. Even though the illustrations and pictures are helpful, the student would benefit even more by having a subsequent histology atlas because the labeling is not always sufficient. That being stated, I would support this textbook as a sound learning aid for the dental student.

Derek K. Boyden

This book attempts to provide core information on a broad series of topics primarily related to oral development and histology. In some instances these goals are achieved; however, the main body of text falls short of its purpose. As a target audience, the student will gain some pertinent facts from the text but in the end will need to access definitive information from other sources. Many of the illustrations are done quite well. The number of line drawings could be halved and deliver as strong a message. Many of the drawings lack supporting text and therefore open more questions than are answered. The materials presented generally lack sufficient depth to explain their topics thoroughly. Points presented in some cases are never discussed adequately or at all. At the student level the text does not provide the amount of knowledge necessary for those students to become well-trained. Certain aspects of the book, drawings, and diagrams, for example, may simplify concepts in some instances. In other areas deficiencies may lead to confusion and unanswered questions. The text proves adequate as a brief outline of topics presented. As an in-depth text explaining oral development and histology, it is not successful.

3 Stars from Doody