Dentistry is a surgical science, and future practitioners require a foundation rooted in relevant anatomical subjects. Dental gross anatomy courses inevitably focus on head and neck anatomy, but some thoracic and abdominal anatomy are also needed. A foundation in histology will provide a necessary introduction to specialized dental tissues. Similarly, an introductory embryology course will inform the basis for detailed study of development of the head and neck. Neuroanatomy is required for understanding pain and control of jaw movements, other somatic sensations, central connections of the cranial nerves, and the relationship of the brain to the cranial exterior. Anatomical sciences are traditionally introduced early in dental curricula; the clear links with other clinical courses necessitate much stronger vertical integration and a need to revisit clinically relevant foundational anatomy. Clinical exemplification when anatomy is first taught will stress the importance of these subjects, scaffolding learning within a framework of relevance.