Course overview
This course aims to further develop clinical skills - applying the student's knowledge, and gaining and further developing skills and behaviours to complete more complex treatments within the legal scope of practice of an oral health therapist. In particular, it provides students with an opportunity to consolidate and extend their skills and knowledge in each of the following disciplines within clinical dentistry: Behavioural Science, Oral Diagnosis, Preventive Dentistry, Dental Materials, Conservative Dentistry, Paediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Geriatric Dentistry, Special Needs, Radiology and Radiography, Rural & Remote Practice.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities of an oral health therapist by applying knowledge of scope of practice and codes of ethics to clinical conduct and decision making, to accurately mirror professional practice standards as indicated by professional associations and Dental Board of Australia.
- Demonstrate an understanding of OHS and infection control by applying and adapting knowledge of these principles and practices to work safely and effectively in the clinical environment.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills to work collaboratively as a member of the dental team and create and maintain effective working relationships with patients and other health professionals.
- demonstrate an understanding of hard and soft tissue diagnosis by utilizing clinical investigation skills and appropriate diagnostic aids to gather information for clinical diagnosis and decision making, and the ability to make appropriate managment decisions including when to refer and when to refer for specialist consultation
- Demonstrate and understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases by developing and applying existing knowledge to analyse and manage patient needs, through appropriate treatment plans, preventive regimens and couselling.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the aetiology of dental caries, deciduous exodontia, cavity preparation, dental materials and pulp therapy and apply knowledge to clinical situations to provide appropriate treatment plans, preventive regimens and restorative solutions for children and adolescents.
- Demonstrate skills in intra-oral radiography and expertise in radiographic diagnosis, and skills in exposure and interpretation of extra-oral radiographs.
- demonstrate appropriate patient management through an understanding of pain control by applying knowledge of psychological and physical pain control methodologies to manage dental pain and anxiety during treatment.