Ten Cate's oral histology, 8th edition

  • A. Nanci
UK: Elsevier price £74.99; pp 400 ISBN 9780323078467 | ISBN: 978-0-3230-7846-7

This textbook, aimed at undergraduate students, suits its purpose perfectly, as it is straightforward and easy to understand.

It covers oral histology over 15 chapters, with molecular concepts highlighted throughout to increase understanding in certain areas, such as when cell function is discussed. Chapters covered include the structure of the oral tissues, embryology of the head and neck and tooth development, as well as more general chapters on the structures common to various cells in the body and their functions, and tissue repair and regeneration. There is a new chapter on facial growth and development but this is brief and only provides an overview. The reader is subsequently directed to another text, which is cited, for more in-depth information.

The book is designed so that each chapter can be read discretely, with a brief introduction at the start and an outline similar to a table of contents. There is also the opportunity to register with the Evolve learning system online for access to a free study tool with review questions, exercises and an enhanced learning experience.

One of the best features of this book is the use of images and diagrams. There is a mixture of colour and monochrome images and they complement the text well. Not only do they aid understanding but they make the book more engaging. The diagrams and histological images help the reader to gauge principles that would be hard to picture with just text and imagination. Scanning electron micrographs offer excellent detail and are well annotated for an undergraduate understanding. The diagram on the development of the functional dentition from inception to the permanent dentition, although regarding content is excellent, was a little confusing and hard to decipher.

The book mentions current research on the bioengineering of teeth and advances in implantology with scope for further reading in the recommended reading section, which is present at the end of every chapter.

This book on the fundamental elements of dentistry is interesting, understandable and a comprehensive source of information for dental students.