UWA Handbook 2024

Unit Overview

Description

This unit equips students with knowledge relating to clinical dental sciences in the domains of (1) CPR and first aid; (2) dental workspace and infection control; (3) clinical oral imaging; (4) essentials of communication; (5) preliminary impressions; (6) behaviour management of adult patients; and (7) clinical dental examination.

Credit

6 points

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) recognise the common medical emergencies and to perform CPR (this is a compulsory requirement for subsequent access to clinic); (2) describe the dental workspace; (3) identify the common dental instruments; (4) explain the scientific principles of sterilisation, decontamination and disinfection; (5) list and describe transmission routes for common pathogenic micro-organisms; (6) perform (at beginner level) the infection control procedures required for routine dental treatment; (7) describe the photographic technique and take clinical intra and extra-oral photographs; (8) describe the nature and production of X-rays in dental practice; (9) explain the biological effects of X-rays; (10) describe the scientific principles of medical ionising radiation and statutory regulations and the techniques for taking intraoral radiographs (periapical and bitewing); (11) take periapical and bitewing radiographs and mount them correctly (beginner level); (12) describe and explain the mechanical and physical properties of impression materials and dental stones; (13) describe and explain mechanisms underlying failure and limitations of those materials; (14) describe and explain the composition and setting mechanisms of both materials; (15) demonstrate a competency in recording a clinically acceptable maxillary and mandibular impression; (16) demonstrate a competency in pouring and fabricating a diagnostic cast; (17) demonstrate how to obtain a relevant presenting complaint and comprehensive history (beginner level); (18) perform an extra-oral and intraoral examination appropriate to the patient, including assessment of vital signs, and the recording of those findings (beginner level); (19) charting the comprehensive oral hard and soft tissue examination (competent level); (20) be competent at communicating with patients, relatives or carers—(i) identify and demonstrate the communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) required for effective dentist–patient relationships, (ii) identify patients with special communication needs and make arrangements to meet these needs appropriately; (21) be competent at obtaining a patient history—(i) describe the importance of a patient-centred approach to dentist–patient communication, (ii) demonstrate how to obtain a relevant presenting complaint and comprehensive history including dental, medical, family, psychosocial, psychological (and where appropriate) dietary and developmental history from a patient (carer), (iii) understand the concepts of confidentiality and informed consent in relation to obtaining a patient history; (22) be competent at communicating with dental team and peers—(i) demonstrate communication with members of the dental team and peers, to an appropriate standard; (23) have knowledge of the communication issues associated with individuals in rural and remote communities—(i) explain how issues affecting rural and remote living may influence dentist–patient communication, (ii) explain the impact of historical, geographical, cultural and social factors with culturally diverse populations on dentist–patient communication; (24) understand the basic issues associated with behaviour management of adult patients—(i) describe and explain psychological principles which are important for dentist–patient relationships, (ii) discuss appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in patients and dentists, (iii) describe and compare models and patterns of health and illness behaviour in patients; and (25) be competent in managing challenging situations—(i) describe challenging situations in the dentist–patient relationship and factors that assist and hinder these situations, (ii) identify common signs and symptoms of pain, anxiety and stress in patients, (iii) address challenging situations including effective management of anxious or stressed patients or patients in pain, (iv) address challenging situations including effective management of anger, confusion.

Assessment

This comprises compulsory CPR and first aid and infection control modules. The unit comprises both formative and summative assessment with their own barriers and assessment mechanisms. For a comprehensive breakdown of module assessments, refer to the unit guidebook.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Laura Dalton-Ecker

Unit rules

Co-requisites

DENT4101 Anatomy Physiology and Cell Biology, DENT4102 Anatomy and Physiology for Dentistry, DENT4104 Introduction to Research and Preventive Dentistry

Approved quota: 56—domestic (50) and international (6). For school leavers—rural (3), Metropolitan Pathway (3), Indigenous (3), high academic achievement (5), international (3). For graduates—rural (2), Metropolitan Pathway (2), Indigenous (2), international (3), graduates (30).