vcc.ca
DHYG 2135: Head and Neck Anatomy
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Dental Hygiene
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course is designed to assist learners to learn dental terminology and nomenclature, and integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, embryology, histology, of the head and neck region as it relates to human function and health.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the stages of prenatal development.
- Identify the location and anatomical features using the correct terminology for the bones of the head and neck
- Describe the components, functions, and abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint.
- Identify the properties of the muscles of mastication and facial expression, including determination of abnormalities of these muscles.
- Describe cranial nerve innervation and manifestation of deficits.
- Describe normal and abnormal properties of glandular tissues of the head and neck.
- Describe the vascular supply and lymphatic drainage in the head and neck and explain disease processes or abnormalities that can compromise these vessels.
- Explain the significance of normal and abnormal anatomy in relation to oral function and overall health.
- Explain how fascia, spaces, and the vascular system are involved in the spread of dental infections to other parts of the body.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is applied in alignment with the Procedures of Policy D.3.5 - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
Students will be assessed by a Challenge Exam, including both written and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) components, designed to validate the knowledge of the candidate as it relates to the course learning outcomes.
Students will be assessed by a Challenge Exam, including both written and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) components, designed to validate the knowledge of the candidate as it relates to the course learning outcomes.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 39
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12
Total Hours: 51
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12
Total Hours: 51
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include hands-on experiential individual and group work, cooperative learning group discussion, lecture/seminar sessions, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to integrate knowledge into dental hygiene practice.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Exam |
20 |
Midterm Exam |
|
Exam |
5 |
Midterm OSCE |
|
Final Exam |
25 |
Final exam |
|
Clinical Examination |
15 |
Final OSCE *must achieve 60% to pass the course |
|
Assignments |
15 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
2-4 quizzes |
Course topics
- Terminology
- Bones of the head and neck
- Temporomandibular joint
- Prenatal development
- Muscles of mastication and facial expression
- Cranial nerves
- Vascular supply of the head and neck
- Lymphatics
- Glandular tissues
- Fascia, spaces and spread of dental infection
- Normal and abnormal anatomy
Learning resources
Course resource information will be provided by the department/instructor.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.