Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit equips students with knowledge relating to clinical dental sciences in the domains of (1) nutrition; (2) biology of the pulp-dentine complex; (3) pathogenesis and diagnosis of dental caries; (4) pathogenesis and diagnosis of non-carious tooth surface loss (NCTSL); and (5) non-operative management of dental caries.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) discuss the food intake guides in terms of rationale for their development, the nutrients supplied by the food groupings in each guide and their proper application in clinical nutrition; (2) describe the most common means of assessing the nutritional status; (3) discuss the advantages and disadvantages of most common methods of diet record collection, describe the differences in nutrient requirements in various stages of the human life cycle and discuss techniques of diet counselling; (4) describe the structure and functions of the dental pulp and dentine; (5) describe the physiological interactions between the dental pulp, dentine and enamel; (6) understand how the dental pulp responds to injuries and stimuli; (7) explain the response of pulp and dentine to caries in enamel and dentine; (8) present the mechanisms and dynamic processes involved in caries (inclusive of the role of biofilms, diet and nutrition, saliva, fluoride, behavioural and social factors); (9) discuss different current and emerging methods for detection and staging the caries process and assessing activity of carious lesions; (10) obtain and record data on the presence of different stages of the caries process (signs) and symptoms related to dental caries; (11) assess the activity status for different stages of the caries process on coronal or root surfaces and for primary and secondary lesions; (12) obtain the appropriate and individual factors/indicators for determining the caries risk; (13) present results of risk assessment to patients or other dental professionals; (14) prepare a preventive strategy accordingly inclusive of dietary counselling; (15) administer preventive agents (e.g. fluorides) appropriately; (16) explain the mechanism of caries prevention agents, their methods of application and administration; (17) explain the limitations and adverse effects of molecules and products used in preventive care; (18) recognise and apply evidence based non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate; (19) present new developments to arrest or remineralise incipient lesions; (20) explain the role of behavioural and social factors in the pathogenesis of NCTSL; (21) explain the role of diet and nutrition in the pathogenesis of erosive and non-erosive tooth wear; (22) list the biochemical events in the dental hard tissues occurring in the pathogenesis of NCTSL; (23) obtain and record data on the presence and activity status of the different types of NCTSL; and (24) discuss current and emerging methods for detection and staging the NCTSL and assessing their activity.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) pulp and dentine (written assessment) (barrier); (2) caries diagnosis and management (written assessment) (barrier); and (3) non-operative management of caries (written examination) (barrier). Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Sobia Zafar
- Unit rules
- Co-requisites
- DENT4106 Introduction to Operative Dentistry, DENT4107 Introduction to Pain Control,
and DENT4108 Introduction to Removable Prosthodontics
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)
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.