UWA Handbook 2024

Unit Overview

Description

This unit equips students with knowledge relating to clinical dental sciences in the domains of (1) dental research; (2) dental professional practice; (3) oral ecosystem; (4) oral hygiene, and scale and clean; and (5) fissure sealing.

Credit

6 points

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) locate appropriate research literature on a research question, determine article and journal measures, and search publications forward and backwards in time from a given article; (2) compile and use appropriate research literature including competent referencing of information sources; (3) organise research literature using reference management software and appropriate referencing styles; (4) appraise the research literature (including a research article from a peer-reviewed journal); (5) critically analyse a research paper and present to peers and tutors; (6) synthesise a literature review on a research topic; (7) demonstrate skills in academic writing; (8) locate and use key sources of information on research ethics such as the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research; (9) identify requirements for ethical dental practice; (10) explain informed consent, its clinical implications and their application in dental practice; (11) describe how to obtain valid informed consent from patients; (12) describe strategies to provide patient privacy and confidentiality; (13) develop appropriate communication with all members of a multidisciplinary dental team; (14) describe ways to communicate sensitively with all types of patients and their families/carers in a professional manner; (15) identify common signs and symptoms of anxiety, distress and other health issues in the self, patient, carers and members of the healthcare team; (16) demonstrate knowledge of the Dental Act 1939; (17) identify learning needs and describe strategies to fulfil the learning needs; (18) describe the micro-organisms associated with the oral cavity; (19) list the bacterial species associated with dental plaque; (20) describe the stages in the plaque formation process, the bacterial interaction in the plaque; (21) list the factors that influence plaque formation; (22) describe the need for improved oral cleanliness in adults and children; (23) describe the relationship between oral hygiene and caries and oral hygiene and gingivitis; (24) identify methods of motivating adults to adopt proper oral hygiene habits; (25) demonstrate delivery of oral hygiene instructions to the patients; (26) describe available oral hygiene aids; (27) compare different approaches of interdental oral hygiene; (28) explain manual and energy-powered tooth-brushing techniques and the difference between them; (29) record plaque scores; (30) describe the histology and biochemistry of the cementum; (31) discuss the histology and topology of gingiva; (32) understand the aetiology of gingivitis and periodontal disease; (33) describe and select the appropriate manual and mechanical scaling instruments for initial therapy; (34) describe the methods for maintaining these instruments; (35) identify the ergonomic aspects of the positioning of these instruments in the mouth; (36) practice the various techniques of periodontal instrumentation in phantom heads; (37) record the presence of calculus; (38) perform supra-gingival scaling as a part of basic periodontal therapy; (39) describe the histology and biochemistry of enamel; (40) describe the effectiveness of resin pit and fissure sealants; (41) identify teeth and surfaces that require sealing; (42) list the types of pit and fissure sealants that are available; (43) distinguish the differences between different types of sealants; (44) describe the chemical composition and structure of composite restorative materials; (45) explain the adhesion to enamel of composite resins; (46) describe the technique for placing sealants; (47) describe rotary dental instruments and their mechanism of action; (48) describe the methods for isolating the operating field; and (49) perform fissure sealing.

Assessment

This comprises summative and formative assessments including DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) in two of the modules. 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)

Associate Professor Lena Lejmanoski

Unit rules

Co-requisites

DENT4101 Anatomy Physiology and Cell Biology, DENT4102 Anatomy and Physiology for Dentistry, DENT4103 Introduction to Clinical 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)