Course overview
Special Needs Dentistry is that part of Dentistry concerned with the oral health of people adversely affected by intellectual disability, medical, physical or psychiatric issues. The University of Adelaide's postgraduate program in Special Needs Dentistry is of three years duration and leads to the degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry. This is a specific program plan designed to lead to specialist registration in the field of Special Needs Dentistry. The program plan comprises a mix of coursework, clinical work, action/clinical research, research training and a research project and is designed to conform to the Educational Requirements of the Board of Studies in Special Needs Dentistry of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstration of comprehensive knowledge, and advanced research skills including competency in investigative techniques and technologies relating to one or more disciplines in dental science.
- Understand and demonstrate professional and ethically-appropriate research principles and workplace behaviours.
- Critically interpret, evaluate and synthesise understanding of background literature, and critically interpret and evaluate the methodology used and results obtained in a research context.
- Communicate scientific information including research context, approach, findings and significance clearly and concisely in written and spoken English.
- Work effectively in teams in small group and research contexts.
- Work effectively as an individual to plan and deliver outcomes.Ultimately, the learning outcome is to provide students with the abilities to practice independent clinical special needs dentistry.