For dental students
Dentistry Study Guide: Core Topics & Recommended Reading
Last reviewed: 2026-10-07 · Reviewed by Edra Publishing
Long nights, big exams. Find the chapters that help you focus on what matters most.
Explore major subjects commonly covered in U.S. dental education and find Edra books and chapters that support each learning area.
Know what matters
We mapped the topics U.S. programs keep coming back to, so you can focus your energy.
Find the right chapter
Each topic points to the specific Edra chapters that cover it.
Study with confidence
Written by clinicians for the next generation of clinicians.
Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
Image acquisition, radiation safety, radiographic anatomy and interpretation, including cone-beam CT.
Commonly covered
- Radiation physics and safety
- Radiographic anatomy
- CBCT interpretation
Recommended reading

3D Radiology in Dentistry
Emanuele Ambu, Roberto Ghiretti, Riccardo Laziosi · Print · $121.99 · Clinical · Primary
- Chapter 2: Principles of 3D radiology
- Chapter 4: Radiological anatomy of the oral cavity and adjacent areas
- Chapter 6: The use of CBCT in dentistry
Why it fits
These chapters provide the essential technical foundation for understanding CBCT physics, the critical anatomical knowledge required for accurate radiographic interpretation, and the practical clinical applications necessary for dental students.
Periodontics
Periodontal anatomy, disease classification, non-surgical and surgical therapy, and maintenance.
Commonly covered
- Periodontal disease classification
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal surgery
Recommended reading

Bone, Biomaterials & Beyond
Antonio Barone, Ulf Nannmark · Print · $72.99 · Advanced · Deep dive
- Chapter 3: Periodontal Regeneration
- Chapter 9: Soft Tissue Augmentation
- Chapter 10: Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implant Bone Lesions
Why it fits
This text provides a deep dive into the surgical management of bone and soft tissue, which is a cornerstone of advanced periodontal therapy. It is highly relevant for students focusing on regenerative techniques and the management of peri-implant tissues.

Orthodontics and Periodontology
Roberto Kaitsas, Maria Giacinta Paolone · Print · $107.00 · Clinical · Supplementary
- Chapter 1: “Perio-Guided” orthodontic treatment plan
- Chapter 2: “Ortho-Guided” periodontal treatment plan and Ortho-Perio Risk Assessment (OPRA)
- Chapter 10: Orthodontics and restorative dentistry considerations in the periodontal patient
- Chapter 11: Orthodontics in interdisciplinary treatment
Why it fits
This book is essential for understanding the interdisciplinary nature of periodontics, specifically how orthodontic movement interacts with periodontal health and treatment planning. It provides critical insights for managing complex adult cases where periodontal stability is a prerequisite for orthodontic success.
Endodontics
Pulp biology, diagnosis, root canal treatment and management of periapical disease.
Commonly covered
- Pulp and periapical diagnosis
- Canal shaping and obturation
- Endodontic retreatment
Recommended reading

Microsurgical Endodontics
Arnaldo Castellucci · Print · $195.00 · Advanced · Supplementary
- Chapter 1: The Failures In Endodontics
- Chapter 2: Diagnostic Procedures In Endodontic Failures
- Chapter 4: Disinfection And Clinical Protocols In Retreatments
Why it fits
Retreatment is a critical competency for dental students; this text offers a structured guide to diagnosing failures and executing complex clinical protocols. It bridges the gap between primary treatment and advanced endodontic management.

NuEndo. ReThinking Endodontics
William J. Nudera, DDS, MS · Print · $237.00 · Clinical · Deep dive
- Chapter 3: Instruments for Root Canal Preparation
- Chapter 4: Techniques for Shaping the Root Canal
- Chapter 5: Cleaning the Root Canal System: Irrigants and Protocols
Why it fits
This book provides a focused, technical deep dive into the biomechanical instrumentation and decontamination protocols essential for successful root canal therapy. It is ideal for students looking to master the specific clinical stages of canal preparation.
Prosthodontics & Restorative Dentistry
Fixed and removable prostheses, occlusion, materials and full-mouth rehabilitation planning.
Commonly covered
- Occlusion
- Fixed prosthodontics
- Digital workflows
Recommended reading

Solutions: Adhesive Restoration Techniques and Integrated Surgical Procedures
Marco Veneziani · Print · $349.00 · Clinical · Primary
- Chapter 1: Volume 1: Direct adhesive techniques
- Chapter 2: Volume 2: Indirect adhesive techniques
- Chapter 3: Integrated surgical procedures
- Chapter 4: Morphology Driven Preparation Technique
Why it fits
This text serves as a comprehensive operational guide for modern restorative dentistry, covering both direct and indirect techniques essential for daily clinical practice.

One-day veneering. Yearbook 2023
StyleItaliano - Walter Devoto, Angelo Putignano · Print · $74.00 · Clinical · Deep dive
- Chapter 1: Gnathologic principles' transversality
- Chapter 4: Occlusal plane
- Chapter 6: Vertical dimension project according to the Vienna School
- Chapter 7: Occlusal mandibular reposition technique (OMRT)
Why it fits
This book provides a critical, in-depth look at vertical dimension and occlusal reconstruction, which are fundamental pillars for any student focusing on complex prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Adhesive cementation on natural teeth
Giacomo Derchi, Umberto Campaner · Print · $124.00 · Clinical · Supplementary
- Chapter 3: HOW TO DO Functional and esthetic stabilization of the patient
- Chapter 4: How to plan a digital 3STEP
- Chapter 5: What next - The completion of the full-mouth rehabilitation
Why it fits
It introduces a clinically validated, non-invasive protocol for full-mouth rehabilitation, helping students understand how to sequence complex treatments efficiently.
Implant Dentistry
Implant planning, surgical placement, bone management and implant-supported restorations.
Commonly covered
- Treatment planning
- Bone augmentation
- Implant prosthetics
Recommended reading

Bone, Biomaterials & Beyond
Antonio Barone, Ulf Nannmark · Print · $72.99 · Clinical · Deep dive
- Chapter 6: The Bone Lamina Technique: A Novel Approach to Bone Augmentation
- Chapter 7: Reconstruction of Horizontal Ridge Defects
- Chapter 9: Soft Tissue Augmentation
- Chapter 10: Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implant Bone Lesions
Why it fits
This book provides essential surgical protocols for bone and soft tissue augmentation, which are critical for successful implant placement in compromised sites. It focuses on minimally invasive techniques that are highly relevant for students learning advanced implant surgery.

Esthetic Implants
Diego Lops, Mario Gisotti, Guido Picciocchi, Irfan Abas · Print · $208.00 · Clinical · Supplementary
- Chapter 1: Case 1: SHE IS CHASING
- Chapter 2: Case 2: IMPROVE MY SMILE
- Chapter 3: Case 3: HIGH DEMANDING EXPECTATIONS
- Chapter 4: Case 4: HIGH ESTHETIC RISK
Why it fits
This text offers a practical, case-based approach to anterior implant dentistry, helping students understand the complex aesthetic requirements and clinical workflows necessary for high-stakes cases.
Orthodontics
Growth and development, malocclusion diagnosis, and orthodontic biomechanics.
Commonly covered
- Growth and development
- Cephalometrics
- Aligners and appliances
Recommended reading

Orthodontics and Periodontology
Roberto Kaitsas, Maria Giacinta Paolone · Print · $107.00 · Clinical · Deep dive
- Chapter 1: Introduction to aligner orthodontic treatment
- Chapter 2: Evidence-based approach to F22 aligners
- Chapter 3: Introduction to hybrid therapy
Why it fits
As clear aligner therapy is a rapidly growing field in modern orthodontics, this book offers students a specialized, evidence-based look at aligner mechanics and hybrid treatment approaches.

Orthodontics
Giampietro Farronato, Ravindra Nanda (eds) Co-editors: Cinzia Maspero, Umberto Garagiola · Print · $187.50 · Foundation · Primary
- Chapter 1: Part A: Foundations of Orthodontics
- Chapter 2: Part B: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Chapter 3: Part C: Orthodontic Treatment
Why it fits
This manual provides a comprehensive, holistic overview of orthodontic theory and practice, making it an essential starting point for students to build a strong diagnostic and clinical foundation.
Sources & method
Topics reflect curricular content areas defined by U.S. accreditation standards and commonly found in U.S. program curricula. Each recommendation is built from an in-depth analysis of the book's contents and names the specific chapters that support the topic. Recommendations are not assigned or endorsed by any university. Last reviewed 2026-10-07.
