Dental Practice 5 (DENT50001)

Comprehend:

• The nature, pathogenesis and management of diseases and disorders affecting oral tissues, including the oral manifestations of systemic diseases, oro-facial pain, periodontal diseases, malocclusion and dental caries;
• The behavioural and management aspects of patients including people with disabilities;
• Complicated psychological or social histories, problems of anxiety, pain control or physical handicaps, and of the homebound, hospitalised and institutionalised;
• The central role of detailed diagnosis and treatment planning in the successful management of individual patients;
• The effect of sedative and anaesthetic drugs on the normal physiology of a patient and the management of patients in theatre and recovery room;
• The importance of a preventive and minimal intervention approach to the treatment of routine dental disorders;
• The role of a professional in contemporary Australian society;
• The relevance of basic sciences to the care of patients and the necessity for continued research and education to improve all aspects of dental care;
• The biological, behavioural and ethical principles of clinical dental services and their application to total oral health care for each patient;
• The philosophy of total oral health care for each patient and the interactions of general dental practice with speciality care in the overall treatment plan for the individual;

Comprehend the diversity of:

• clinical techniques and dental materials available to meet each individual's specific oral health needs; and
• settings in which general dental practice may be delivered;
• the limitations of particular treatment modalities.

Have developed skills in:

• assessing the dental health needs of individuals presenting from a wide variety of socio-cultural backgrounds with a wide range of oral conditions
• assessing the appropriateness for referral and/or additional consultation
• the examination, diagnosis, radiography, radiology, treatment planning and management of an individual seeking routine dental health care;
• evaluating success and failure in clinical dentistry; and
• working as part of a comprehensive health team.

Have developed the ability to:

• synthesise information collected and plan appropriate treatment and management of a dental patient;
• communicate with patients about their oral health status, treatment options and potential outcomes and to establish and maintain appropriate oral health regimens;
• work within a dental team; and
• communicate about clinical cases with other health providers;
• assess and manage a patient who has collapsed.

Have:

• A commitment to ethical practices, quality assurance in dentistry, and life-long continuing education.
• Sufficient technical skill to provide a comprehensive range of clinical dental services.
• Competency and expertise in providing general dental care to an individual;

Appreciate:

• The diversity of people within the community and the responsibilities and problems in delivering dental care to them;
• The necessity for accurate examination, diagnosis and treatment planning before commencing the care of all patients whether or not they have advanced or complicated problems;
• The life-long necessity for continuing education and quality assurance in dental care;
• The value of ensuring the maintenance of oral health after treatment of all patients including those with advanced or complicated problems;
• The role and responsibilities of the general dental practitioner in the provision of comprehensive total patient care;
• The need for referral in those situations which cannot be successfully managed in general dental practice or require specialist advice or intervention;
• Issues of safety in general dental practice; and
• The need for constant evaluation of techniques, peer review of processes, and the application of scientific rigour and principles to the resolution of clinical problems.