Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology is frequently recommended. 3. Biochemistry
Often cited as the "make-or-break" subject of the first year.
Take a standard page. On the left (2 inches): Cues (e.g., "Nerve for lower lip"). On the right (6 inches): Details ("Mental nerve, branch of V3, exits mental foramen"). At the bottom: Summary ("Lower lip sensation = mental nerve block"). dentistry first year notes
Use tracing paper. Buy a dental anatomy coloring book and integrate it into your notes. The "three cusp theory" of evolution is a high-yield exam topic.
Forget generic diagrams. Your notes must be . Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology is
Focus heavily on Head and Neck Anatomy , as this is the bread and butter of your future career.
Based on 20 years of dental school alumni surveys, these specific topics appear on every first-year final. Take a standard page
This article serves as a roadmap for creating, organizing, and mastering your first-year dental notes. We will break down the core subjects, the common pitfalls, and the "survival secrets" that separate the top decile from those who struggle.
Physiology is the study of the functions of the human body, including the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems. Understanding physiological principles helps dental students comprehend how the body responds to various stimuli and how to maintain homeostasis.
| | Method | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Terminology | Glossaries | "Ankyloglossia = tongue-tie" | | Processes | Flow charts | Steps of cavity preparation (Outline → Resistance → Retention) | | Comparisons | Tables | Permanent vs. Deciduous (size, color, pulp horns) | | Clinical Pearls | Marginalia (red ink) | "Check for lingual curvature on maxillary first premolar – often missed!" |
Some key topics to focus on in biochemistry include: