Course overview
This course brings together material covered in the first two years, with an emphasis on clinical implications, to provide students with a richer understanding of oral health philosophies and practice. Additional topics related to oral health and diseases at individual and population levels are also discussed. The course is closely integrated with Clinical Practice IIIOH in which clinical experience will be gained. Topics include paedodontics, periodontics, population oral health, early childhood caries, panoramic radiography, orthodontics, oral pathology, geriatric and special needs dentistry.
Course learning outcomes
- Develop the principles of preventive and restorative dentistry gained in the first two years of the program and apply them to those aspects of clinical dentistry that fall within the range of duties for oral health therapists
- Describe different methods for diagnosis of dental disease and select appropriate intervention
- Further develop understanding of the causes, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases and the role of the oral health therapist in relation to oral diseases
- Apply a patient-centered approach to oral health care for diverse populations, including children with early childhood caries, older patients with unique oral health needs, and individuals with special needs, by assessing risk factors, developing individualized treatment plans, and incorporating cultural and ethical considerations into their practice.
- Develop understanding of the development of normal occlusion and the role of the oral health therapists in recognising occlusal abnormalities
- Define and describe traumatic dental injuries and the correct emergency and long-term treatment options
- Apply appropriate methods for the reduction and control of pain in children and perform emergency treatment for the alleviation of pain and control of infection in the primary or young permanent dentition
- Demonstrate competency with equipment preparation (including the setting of parameters), patient preparation and exposure of panoramic images
- Develop an understanding of the major health problems (with particular reference to oral health) in Australian society, and the associated social and environmental factors, and the impact on dental services