DS1002 - Introduction to Dental Science 2

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Medicine & Dentistry

This subject provides an introduction to the basic procedures associated with clinical dental practice. Safe working practices in the dental clinic, infection control, ergonomics and occupational health will be examined. Students will be introduced to taking medical and dental histories, dental and soft-tissue charting, the identification of dental caries and periodontal disease, and treatment planning. The equipment and techniques used for restorative dentistry will be introduced, and there will be a strong emphasis on preventive dentistry, and the various approaches that may be used, including patient risk-assessment. The role of nutrition in oral health will be addressed, and the basic pathological processes of infection and inflammation, and the role they play in oral disease will be introduced. Students will be introduced to the range of dental materials that are used in the clinic, together with their various physical and chemical properties, and with the factors that influence the choice of a particular material for restorative dentistry. Students will begin to develop the technical and practical skills that are central to being a competent dental practitioner. A strong emphasis will be placed on the value of integrating and synthesising a broad range of information, and then applying that to real-life problem solving situations. From that aspect, this subject will extend some of the material that has been introduced in Anatomy and Physiology, and contextualise its importance in clinical dental practice.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and describe the anatomy and function of blood vessels, nerves, skin and associated structures of the oral region, including the tongue;
• demonstrate sound teamwork, ethics, confidentiality and communication principles in relation to other members of the dental team;
• develop a sound knowledge of oral and dental anatomy by the identification of oral structures including the dentitions and hard and soft tissues;
• identify and select materials and medicaments to perform basic dental procedures;
• perform within the simulated environment a limited range of dental procedures.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies.

Prerequisites:

DS1001

Availabilities
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coord/Lect:	Professor Alan Nimmo.
Contact hours:	52 hours lectures 13 hours tutorials 39 hours practicals 30 hours clinical placement
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); other exams (10%); quizzes or tests (15%); assignments (35%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Satisfactory completion of set competency tasks. Students must pass all components of assessment to pass the subject.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.