Special Needs Dentistry 1 (DENT90105) // Assessment

Additional details

Assignments: Assignments are designed as an opportunity for students to extend their evidence-based knowledge through research into subjects of interest throughout the program of study. The first assignment of this subject will be on a compulsory topic related to medicolegal and ethical obligations to ensure students are aware of their professional obligations to relevant Australian legislation and professional standards in patient care. This will need to be completed prior to commencement of patient care to meet professional expectations and protect patient safety. The remainder of assignments are designed with flexibility to be completed throughout the teaching period to support the student in developing of knowledge and/or skills applicable to patient cases and care. While designed primarily as a literature review, the assignment format allows for flexibility for the student to present acquired knowledge in different formats and styles.

Oral exam (viva voce): The oral exam is a case-based discussion, of both real-life and hypothetical seen and unseen cases, designed to assess application of knowledge to patient care. It offers a significant opportunity for a panel of examiners to assess acquisition, integration, and application of knowledge and skills to patient care. Given that this course of study involves provision of patient care to vulnerable populations, this assessment provides a vital opportunity to ensure ongoing patient safety in line with professional expectations. As such, the assessment requires a heavier weighting, at 20% as demonstrated, to reflect these key timepoints of progress in the subject and in the interests of public safety in line with professional and public expectations.

Portfolio: The portfolio is a new assessment aimed at helping students compile a record of their experiences, feedback, and reflections throughout the course of study. As such, this assessment will encompass other previous assessments, such as the ‘Presentation’ of logbook cases and Clinical / Placement Competency, as is designed in line with best practice to provide opportunities for feedback rather than summative assessment as specified in the previous assessment. As it is anticipated to be an ongoing and cumulative body of work, it is intended for formative feedback throughout this subject and in an ongoing nature throughout the program of study. To ensure that the student is making adequate progress, it has been identified as a hurdle requirement to ensure students have adequate knowledge, skills, and experience to move to the next year of study in this course.