A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.