UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit will provide an introduction to clinical dental practice. Students will learn how to perform a comprehensive oral clinical examination, along with the aetiology, pathogenesis, and classification of periodontal conditions plus the principles of their management. Students will develop the clinical skills required to treat periodontal conditions in a simulation environment. This Unit will also introduce students to the clinical discipline of Endodontics with a focus on the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and peri-radicular tissues. Concurrently, students will learn the theory of pain control and they will develop the practical clinical skills required to administer local anaesthetics to patients. Personal and Professional Development will cover the areas of patient management, ergonomics, ethics, diversity, and professionalism.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode
Not available in 2025	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply the infection control and other mandatory protocols in clinical dental practice; (2) demonstrate how to perform comprehensive oral clinical examinations; (3) explain the aetiology, pathogenesis and classification of periodontal conditions; (4) explain the principles and biological rationale for periodontal treatment techniques; (5) develop and demonstrate competence in the clinical skills needed to treat periodontal conditions in a simulation environment; (6) explain the aetiology, pathogenesis, classification and diagnosis of pulp, root canal and peri-radicular conditions; (7) display professional behaviour in the educational and clinical settings,; (8) discuss challenges to professionalism and reflect on professional behaviours in the clinical setting; (9) explain the principles and biological rationale for root canal treatment techniques; (10) explain the principles of, and requirements for, pain control during dental treatment; (11) compare the various local anaesthetic agents and techniques used in dentistry and explain the indications and contra-indications for their use; and (12) develop and demonstrate competence in the clinical skills necessary to administer local anesthetics to patients.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) practical assessments

; (2) written assessments; and (3) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the practical assessments , written assessments, and professional behaviour assessment components.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Laura Dalton-Ecker

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in Doctor of Dental Medicine 90860 and
or DENT4122 Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences 2 (ID 6810)
or

IMED3003 Body Systems and Disease III (ID 5975)
and IMED3004 Body Systems and Disease IV (ID 5976)

Co-requisites

DENT4221 Diagnostic and surgical sciences 3 (ID 6661)
, DENT4231 Restorative and Rehabilitative Sciences 1 (ID 6654)
, DENT4232 Restorative and Rehabilitative Sciences 2 (ID 6655)

Approved quota: 70—50 domestic, 20 international
50 domestic includes high academic achievement direct pathway 24 places, indigenous entry, rural 3 places and standard pathway graduate applicants 20.

Incidental fees

Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
(1) Laboratory coat (estimated cost - $42.00)
(2) Clinical Coat (estimated cost - $80-100)
(3) Safety Glasses (estimated cost - $30.00)
(4) Frasaco Teeth (estimated cost - $3 - 11 each)
(5) Headlights and Loupes (estimated cost - $1000-2000)
(6) Replacement costs for borrowed dental equipment (estimated cost - $20-$5000).

Contact hours

Lectures 1 hr per week on average
Clinics 3 hrs per week on average
Practical/pre-clinical sessions 3 hrs per week on average