Course overview
This course aims to prepare the student to understand the medical aspects of clinical dentistry, pharmacology, local anaesthetics and the role of the oral health practitioner in the management of medical and dental emergencies in dental practice. Topics include applied oral microbiology, medicine and pharmacology, pathology, applied oral pathology.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply an understanding of the physical and chemical nature of the oral microflora to explain the formation of dental plaque and calculus and relate these to the development of dental caries and periodontal disease.
- Explain the process of inflammation, healing and repair and relate this to the management of caries, periodontal disease, pulpal infection and other inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity.
- Accurately recognise, record and describe deviations from normal appearance and function in the oral tissues (including bony structures) and report / work collaboratively with a dentist across a full cycle of patient care.
- Identify, describe and discuss the implications of a range of medical conditions, including developmental disturbances, systemic diseases and immunological challenges, that might influence your patients' health, including oral tissues. Use that to recognise, implement and evaluate any necessary precautions and/or modifications that need to be made to patient management within the OHT scope.
- Briefly explain actions of administered drugs for related medical conditions that may affect dental patient managment. Demonstrate the investigative skills required to determine possible contraindications in consultation with the dentist where required.
- Demonstrate the ability to recognise and manage a medical emergency and/or disorder in the dental environment within the OHT scope.