What term describes the type, number, and arrangement of teeth in the dental arch?

The term that describes the type, number, and arrangement of teeth in the dental arch is "dentition." This term encompasses the overall structure and classification of teeth in an individual, including aspects such as which teeth are present (incisors, canines, premolars, molars), how many of each type are present, and how they are arranged within the arches of the mouth.

Understanding dentition is essential in dentistry and related fields, as it helps professionals evaluate oral health, plan for orthodontic treatments, and assess developmental issues. Dentition can vary widely among different animals and humans, making it a key concept in comparative anatomy as well. The other options refer to related but distinct concepts: odontology is the study of teeth and their structure; archodontia pertains specifically to the arrangement of teeth in the dental arch but is less commonly used; and dental formula is a shorthand notation that indicates the number and types of teeth in one half of the dental arch but does not describe their overall arrangement.