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) endocrinology and cell signalling; (2) calcium, sodium and potassium homeostasis; (3) pharmacodynamics, pharmacology; and (4) clinical application of local anaesthesia in dentistry.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) for each of the four receptor superfamilies, describe major characteristic features including mechanism of signal transduction, receptor location, effector protein(s) and time scale of action; (2) provide at least one detailed example of a drug that acts via each of the four receptor superfamilies; (3) explain, with examples, how ion channels, enzymes and transporters are important drug targets; (4) answer the question ’What is a receptor?’; (5) explain concepts such as drug affinity, drug efficacy, agonism, partial agonism and inverse agonism; (6) explain what is meant by drug selectivity; (7) describe the relationship between agonist concentration and response; (8) explain the differences between reversible and irreversible receptor antagonisma—(a) describe the mechanism of action of local anaesthetics; and (b) present the pharmacological properties of the groups of local anaesthetics; (9) explain the mechanism of action of local anaesthetics; (10) explain their effects on action potential generation and conduction; (11) explain the effects of pH on effectiveness of local anaesthetics; (12) explain the benefits and risks of adding vasoconstrictors to local anaesthetics; (13) describe the properties of specific local anaesthetics used in dentistry; (14) explain the typical adverse effects of local anaesthetics; (15) explain the ways by which such adverse and in particular toxic effects occur; (16) calculate safe and unsafe doses of local anaesthetics; (17) explain appropriate methods for treatment of toxic reactions to local anaesthetics; (18) understand the gross anatomy of the urinary system and its development; (19) explain the mechanisms responsible for maintaining adequate plasma ionic calcium levels; (20) describe the histology and functions of the kidneys and the processes involved in urine formation and specific transport mechanisms involved in renal handling of physiologically important solutes; (21) describe the role of chemical buffers, ventilation and kidneys in the control of acid base balance; (22) discuss and compare drugs used in dental local anaesthesia and be able to determine the most appropriate choice for particular treatments in individual patients; (23) compare the different local anaesthetic techniques used in the upper jaw and understand the indications for the use of each method; (24) compare the different local anaesthetic techniques used in the lower jaw and understand the indications for the use of each method; (25) identify and select the different needles, cartridges and syringes used in delivering local anaesthesia in dentistry; (26) perform block anaesthesia of the lower teeth and associated structures; (27) perform anaesthetic infiltration of the upper teeth and associated structures; (28) discuss the usefulness and indications for supplementary anaesthetic techniques in the mouth; (29) discuss and appreciate the important medical conditions and drug interactions which impact upon the use of local anaesthesia, including safe maximum dosages; (30) discuss the reasons for anaesthetic failure and illustrate approaches to overcome failure; (31) identify and interpret both local and systemic side effects caused by dental local anaesthesia—discuss the management of such cases; (32) discuss the factors that produce pain during local anaesthesia in dentistry and appreciate and practise techniques that can reduce injection sensation; (33) demonstrate effective communication skills with the patient; (34) describe the structure, histology and function of the main organs of the endocrine system; (35) describe the different classes of hormones, their function and regulation; (36) describe the different means of cell-cell communication and the reliance on receptors for this communication; and (37) describe the hormonal signalling systems activated through the hypothalamic/pituitary axis.
- Assessment
This comprises both summative and formative assessments including a written examination and DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) which is a barrier assessment. 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
- DENT4105 Introduction to Cariology, DENT4106 Introduction to Operative Dentistry, 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). - Contact hours
- 44 hours
- 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.