Child & Adolescent Oral Health 1 (DENT90067)

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to achieve the following in relation to paediatric dentistry:

1. a patient-centred approach to patient care;
2. responsibility and safety in the dental management of young persons under their care;
3. effective communication with young persons in the dental situation;
4. an understanding of the importance of prevention, identification, assessment and treatment of oral diseases, as opposed to the episodic management of symptomatic oral problems;
5. accurate examination and accurate records, diagnoses and treatment plan prior to commencement of care of the young person;
6. an accurate production, interpretation and critique of intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs of the young patient;
7. appreciation of the value of maintenance of oral health after treatment of child and adolescents including those with advanced or complicated problems;
8. appreciation of the need for specialist referral for those patients who cannot be successfully managed in general practice;
9. management of the behavioural aspects of young patients in the dental setting.

In relation to orthodontics, students should also:

1. understand the relevance of growth assessment in the clinical setting and be able to apply common terminologies related to dentofacial growth and development;
2. appreciate that disruption to this orderly process can lead to disorders of the dentofacial region and orthodontic problems;
3. be able to identify various orthodontic problems and understand their prevalence and aetiology;
4. be familiar with how to perform a comprehensive orthodontic assessment and understand the indications for treatment;
5. be able to identify developing teeth and anomalies radiographically and perform a basic cephalometric analysis;
6. be able to list diagnostic factors, specifying particular problems for individual patients, and providing possible solutions in a priortised overall patient treatment plan;
7. be familiar with the principles of treatment of various malocclusions including the common interceptive, orthodontic and maxillofacial procedures involved;
8. be familiar with the basic scope and limitations of common orthodontic treatments to enable discussion and explanation of treatment with patients and parents;
9. have the knowledge to make appropriate referrals based on a clinical assessment.

Generic skills

Students should:

1. be able to access new knowledge from different sources, analyse and interpret it in a critical manner;
2. develop skills in effective communication with teaching staff and peers;
3. develop effective organisational skills and time management;
4. develop skills in team work and workplace safety;
5. be able to identify and address their own learning needs.