Outline the general order of eruption for the permanent dentition.

• A. First premolars, central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first molars, second premolars, second molars, third molars.
• B. First molars, canines, central incisors, lateral incisors, second molars, first premolars, second premolars, third molars.
• C. Central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, second premolars, first premolars, second molars, third molars.
• D. First molars, central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, second premolars, second molars, third molars.

Answer: (D)

The general order of eruption for permanent teeth starts with the first molars, which are the first permanent teeth to erupt after the loss of the primary teeth and help establish the posterior bite. Next come the central incisors, followed by the lateral incisors, so the front teeth come in from the center outward. The canines appear after the incisors have begun setting the anterior guidance, and then the first premolars, followed by the second premolars. The second molars erupt before the third molars, which are last to emerge. This sequence is the standard pattern taught and used in exams, though timing can vary a bit between individuals and arches.