Cinzia Fornai

Morphological variation of the face and masticatory structures is pivotal anthropological information informing oral medicine. Health and function of the oral system in Central American populations, in relation to diet, social and ethnic background, have yet to be investigated. With the proposed workshop, we want to lay the foundations for interdisciplinary work aimed at filling the existing gap of knowledge in research areas common to both anthropology and dentistry, while facilitating novel scientific collaboration between the Americas and Europe. The complex population history of Central America contributes considerably to craniomandibular morphological variation. The dramatic differences in the socioeconomic status and nutrition of the various human groups, in urban and rural settings further complicate the epidemiology of oral health. Hence, we want to bring together expert morphologists, social anthropologists, dentists and representatives of the Central American high-education system to elucidate the phenotypical, cultural and social factors that should be considered in our future anthropological research on the stomatognathic system in this region. The AnthropologyCA workshop will enable an assessment of the current anthropological, historical and clinical knowledge to foster constructive discussion on our future research projects and related educational activities, which are aimed at ensuring the advancement of anthropology and dentistry in Central America through essential international and interdisciplinary collaboration.