Special Needs Dentistry 2 (DENT90106)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 75On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Special Needs Dentistry 2 continues to develop the knowledge established in DENT90105 Special Needs Dentistry 1. The subject focuses on broadening the understanding of students beyond considerations directly associated with the patient’s individual context. The aim of Special Needs Dentistry 2 is to consider the role of specialists and the Special Needs Dentistry as part of the wider medical, disability, and health education sectors.  Learning is achieved through a combination of interactive teaching sessions and clinical placements, which may include external placements in the community and hospital settings.  The subject enables students to develop their understanding of various health conditions, and how these interact with oral health or how individuals access and/or receive of oral health care.  On completion, students should be developing a sound and comprehensive understanding of the specialty of Special Needs Dentistry and the role of a specialist with the dental profession and wider community.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students will have:

  • Demonstrate capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations related to SND and be maintaining a comprehensive collection of reading materials as they pertain to the relevant seminar topics
  • Develop skills in case presentation as it relates to more complex SND case scenarios and in addition continue to develop an appreciation for the complexities of SND
  • Intermediate understanding of the basis of Special Needs Dentistry including gerodontics and related medical issues with aging, disease and health, developmental disabilities, neurodegenerative disorders, management of endocrine diseases, transplant medicine and dentistry as well as palliative dental care
  • Developing a greater understanding of the complexities of managing patients with a range social and medical issues impacted by their special needs (including the role of the ICF and ICD models for care)
  • Continue to develop a clear understanding of the link between general health and oral health and feel comfortable when confronted with complex special needs patients in a range of clinical, aged care and home settings
  • Students will be continuing to develop a sound knowledge of ethical and consent issues pertaining to this patient cohort including when patients are unable to consent for themselves and the role of groups such as the Office of the Public Advocate
  • Understand the role of government and public agencies in the context of special needs and understand the complexities of managing patients in a range of medical, dental and allied health settings.
  • Build an understanding of the use of pharmacological management in the context of SND and be experienced in behaviour management techniques appropriate for use in the special care setting including the use of oral sedation and nitrous oxide
  • Adequate communications skills to deal with patients with cognitive impairment, understanding the role of trans-disciplinary cooperation and its specific relation to special needs and begin to be able to plan an provide high quality oral care to individuals with special needs
  • Commence development of skills in oral health promotion in order to develop, design and implement oral health programs for individuals with special needs

Generic skills

  • Work effectively as a member of a team
  • Have skills in interpersonal understanding, problem-solving, decision making, program design and implementation, evaluation and advocacy
  • Demonstrate motivation for continuing independent learning Demonstrate developing professional skills and attitudes
  • Value diversity of opinions, health beliefs, lifestyles, ethnic and cultural background
  • Ensure safe care for people of diverse backgrounds

Last updated: 29 March 2025