General Dentistry Theory
Description
The subject covers the following topics:
• Exodontia
• Oral Radiology
• Oral Diagnosis
• Endodontics
• Operative (Restorative) Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Removable Prosthetics
Subject Code
DENT90054
Credit Points
12.5 points
Objectives
The subject objectives are to provide the students with the knowledge that would be expected of a dental graduate from an Australian university. The subject will:
1. Provide an understanding of oral biology, including detailed knowledge of the form and function of teeth.
2. Develop an appreciation of the physiology of the human body as it related to dentistry.
3. Provide an understanding of the appropriate legal requirements for the practice of the profession.
4. Teach the principles of cavity preparation and design for the treatment of minimal and extensive cavities for direct restorative materials.
5. Develop knowledge of the nature, structure, properties and evaluation of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites.
6. Describe the practice of specialist endodontists.
7. Be able to assess and describe when to refer patients for specialist treatment.
8. Assess the complexity of endodontic treatment needs prior to commencing treatment.
9. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role of dental occlusion in restorative dentistry.
10. Demonstrate treatment planning skills including the sequencing of treatment according to phases.
11. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of materials when considering size, shape, fit and adaptation of materials for production of dental appliances.
12. Define and articulate the effects of preparation design on the strength of the tooth and its longevity, and the principles of minimal intervention.
13. Explain the reaction of the dental pulp to the placement of a restoration and describe the common methods employed to protect injury to the dental pulp.
14. Explain the principles of how dental materials are developed, trialled and ratified for use in clinical practice.
15. Demonstrate knowledge of the current disease management protocols in periodontics.
16. Demonstrate the required skills in basic diagnosis, radiographic interpretation and formulation of a treatment plan for a patient requiring a removable prosthesis.
17. Describe the anatomical influences on treatment and prognosis for removable prosthetics.
18. Evaluate and consider the merits of relevant dental materials that may be used in removable prosthetics.
Generic skills students will develop
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
• Achieve a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
• Achieve an ability to incorporate theoretical principles and concepts into professional practice;
Mode of Delivery
This subject matter is delivered in a lecture program that will initially have the following structure:
• Oral Pathology 1
• Oral Pathology 2
• Precancerous lesions
• Anatomy of the Head and Neck
• TMJ
• Infection Control
• Medically compromised patients
• Surgical removal of teeth & management of wisdom teeth
• Facial trauma/osteoradionecrosis & minor oral surgery
• Drugs in dentistry & prescription writing
• LA & Exodontia
• Medical emergencies
• Radiology 1
• Radiology 2
• Radiographic interpretation
• Rotary NiTi
• Endodontics 1
• Endodontics 2
• Dentoalveolar Trauma
• Restoration of endo-treated teeth
• Implants 1
• Implants 2
• Principles of tooth preparation
• MID & GIC
• Short clinical crowns
• Examination & treatment planning including trauma in paediatric dentistry
• Provision of dental care under GA and special needs dentistry in paediatric dentistry
• Pulp therapy in paediatric dentistry
• Periodontics 1
• Periodontics 2
• Effect of systemic disease on periodontal health
• Full dentures
• Partial Dentures
• Management of missing anterior teeth (inc. anterior aesthetics & impressions)
It is expected that over time, the actual lecture program will change to reflect changes in dental practice and to incorporate feedback from student evaluations.
Contact Time
120 hours of lectures.
In addition to face-to-face teaching time of 120 hours, students should expect to undertake their own study (research, reading, writing, and general study) to reach a minimum of 160 hours to complete this subject successfully.
Assessment
Two written examinations will be undertaken for the assessment of this subject:
• A 30 minute in-class test at the end of the second week of teaching, representing 20% of the mark for the subject.
• A 2.5 hour written examination will be undertaken at the end of the 4 weeks of teaching, representing 80% of the mark for the subject.
The examinations will be a combination of multiple choice questions and short answer questions addressing each of the areas covered during the lecture program.
Subject Coordinator
Dr Chankhrit Sathorn
Course Fee
$6,250.00 AUD
Prescribed Texts
Nil. Students will be provided with articles and references that support the teaching program as part of their course materials
IT Requirements
IT requirements: All students will need access to a computer that can operate a Windows platform or simulation and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit and save an essay on the computer.
Application Process
Applications are managed by Student Services.