Course overview
This stream aims to provide the student with the biological grounding upon which the practice of dentistry rests. It is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and in particular the teeth and oro-facial regions. Topics include: basic biochemistry, general anatomy and physiology, general histology, oral histology and embryology, anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, microbiology and immunology.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an integrated understanding of basic cell biology, including the role and function of the major biological molecules.
- Apply basic genetic concepts including the principles of heredity and variation, genes and chromosomes, assortment, linkage, mutations and human genetics to clinically based scenarios.
- Discuss the role of cell physiology in the maintenance of homeostasis.
- Compare and contrast the basic tissue types within the body, relating their form to their function, and with an emphasis on the hard and soft structures of the oral cavity, head and neck.
- Apply an integrated understanding of the structure and function of the body systems and key functions of a health body such as nutrient supply, waste removal, respiration, transport and movement, as a basis for analysing patient oral health.
- Identify the hard and soft tissue landmarks and features of the skull and facial skeleton and explore their function in the context of safe and effective oral health practice
- Recognise the relevance and importance of human biology as essential underpinning knowledge for the practice of oral health.
- Explore the basic tissue types within the body and apply their form and fuinction with particular emphasis on the hard and soft structures of the head and neck
- Apply the organization and interrelationship of the major body systems for the maintenance of homeostasis and health, and recognise the importance of medical history taking as an underpinning skill in oral health practice.
- Apply the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck to practice as an oral health professional, specifically targeting extra and intra oral examination.
- Discuss the embryonic development of the face and the oral cavity and the significance this has to dental anomalies.
- Recognise the importance of immunology and microbiology for the purpose of explaining the disease process in the human body and more specifically the initiation and progress of oral diseases.