511-501 Clinical Dental Science

Timetable:

Contact:

Subject Description:

This subject covers the following areas: the application of basic sciences to the management of oral health problems; diagnostic and management aspects of patients with multiple and/or complex general and dental problems; specialist referral; advanced radiological interpretation; radiographic management; care of the special patient; management of patients with complex psychological and social histories such as psychotic and neurotic disorders; relaxation therapies; systematic desensitisation and hypnosis; the special needs of the elderly; the special needs of children; pain and pain control; general anaesthesia; management and welfare of dental health personnel; practice management and legal aspects of dental practice; the validation of the preventive philosophy at the individual and community levels; evaluation of current trends in periodontal treatment and research; case analysis and treatment planning in orthodontics; management of complex endodontic problems; advanced aspects of prosthodontics, fixed prosthodontics, maxillo-facial appliances, precision attachments, aesthetics, magnetodontics and dental implants; conduct and presentation of a research project (continued from the previous year).

On completion of this subject, the student should:

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 effect of sedative and anaesthetic drugs on the normal physiology of a patient and the management of patients in theatre and recovery room; the central role of detailed diagnosis and treatment planning in the successful management of individual patients; 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.

Have developed: skill to assess the dental health needs of individuals presenting from a wide variety of socio-cultural backgrounds with a wide range of oral conditions; skill to assess the appropriateness for referral and/or additional consultation; ability to synthesise information collected and plan appropriate treatment and management of a dental patient; ability to communicate with patients to establish and maintain appropriate oral health regimens; ability to work within a dental team; sufficient technical skill to provide a comprehensive range of clinical dental services.

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 value of ensuring the maintenance of oral health after treatment of all patients including those with advanced or complicated problems; the life-long necessity for continuing education and quality assurance in dental care.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Kasle M J 1989, An Atlas of Dental Radiographic Anatomy, 3rd ed. Saunders.
• Howe G L 1990, The Extraction of Teeth, revised 3rd ed. Wright.
• Howe G L 1985, Minor Oral Surgery, 3rd ed. Wright.
• Lewis M A O and Lamey P J 1993, Clinical Oral Medicine, Wright.
• Tyldesley W R and Field E A 1995, Oral Medicine, 4th ed. Oxford Medical.
• Lindhe J 1989, Textbook of Clinical Periodontology, 2nd ed. Munksgaard.
• McDonald R E and Avery D L 1994, Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 6th ed. Mosby.
• Shaw L 1994, Self Assessment Tests in Pediatric Dentistry, Wolfe.