Dental histology has never been in a better position to address questions about the pattern and rate of development in human evolution. Its basis, the circadian rhythm of short-period incremental structures in enamel and dentine, is now well established and widely accepted.

The traditional methods of sectioning and light microscopy still yield the most detailed sequences and current procedures for counting and measuring along the EDJ allow the difficulties of tooth wear and the complex weave of enamel structure to be circumvented. However, not only is sectioning destructive, but it is a very difficult technique to master and much practice is needed to obtain good results. Few people in the world can do it well. Similarly, the effective use of a polarising microscope for dental histology is not widely taught and the two most common reasons for difficulties in counting the incremental structures required are a poorly centred plane of section or an incorrectly adjusted condenser lens. Experience is also necessary for a clear understanding of what is actually being seen in the microscope image. Sectioning and light microscopy will, however, remain the main way in which data for recent humans and other primates are collected for the foreseeable future; for example, from the large collections of extracted teeth available in dental hospitals.