Preclinical Dental Practice (DENT90141)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 31.25On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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This subject will enable students to develop their knowledge and practical skills in preparation for person-centred clinical dental practice. Students will apply knowledge of disease processes, anatomy, common materials, equipment and instrumentation, and techniques for the management of caries (decay), periodontal (gum) diseases and tooth loss. Students will undertake tasks on manikins to develop skills in taking radiographs, preparing and restoring lost tooth structure (fillings), periodontal cleaning, the construction of complete dentures, and infection control. They will also learn the procedures for performing a patient history, examination and treatment planning. Students will learn about correct posture, safety, and working as a team (assistant and operator) in the dental operatory during the provision of these procedures.

Students will participate in a range of learning activities including lectures, online learning modules, and practical classes in a pre-clinical simulation environment.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Prepare and restore teeth on manikins
  • Apply the concepts of minimal intervention to clinical dental practice
  • Analyse the risks and hazards associated with the use of instrumentation and dental materials in the oral cavity
  • Select the restorative material which will best restore a tooth to its original form and function
  • Perform periodontal debridement on manikins with the correct instruments, and operator and patient positioning
  • Discuss the principles of x-ray production and their application to radiation safety
  • Produce diagnostic quality radiographs and other non-invasively produced images of the jaws, facial skeleton, and temporo-mandibular joint on manikins
  • Interpret and critique radiographic images of the jaws, facial skeleton, and temporo-mandibular joint
  • Apply infection control procedures in a clinical environment
  • Demonstrate the protocols to be followed in the event of an injury to the patient or operator during a clinical procedure
  • Analyse the dental occlusion and the implications of tooth loss
  • Produce a set of removable complete dentures
  • Conduct and record a patient history and examination in a simulation setting
  • Formulate a person-centred treatment plan in a simulated clinical environment.

Generic skills

  • Effective organisational skills and time management
  • Identifying and addressing their own learning needs
  • Understanding the need for precision, accuracy and self-evaluation
  • Handling and disposal of chemicals and other laboratory materials safely following proper protocol
  • Measuring and recording data

Last updated: 8 November 2024