511-113 Clinical Dentistry 1

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject covers preclinical procedures; oral radiography; introduction to emergency medicine; dental materials; team dentistry; and clinical procedures.

On completion of this subject, the student should:

• comprehend the nature of dental caries and periodontal disease and the mechanisms of primary prevention and technical intervention to restore tooth function; the dental materials used in the identification, recording and prevention of dental diseases and in the restoration of dental health; and the principles and techniques of conservative dentistry;

• demonstrate skills in identification, charting, and recording of oral conditions; and in using infection control techniques when working in the dental surgery environment; and an ability to: apply preventive methods in the pre-clinical environment; safely use dental radiography equipment; work in a team environment; manage patients and their carers; manage common medical emergencies which may occur in dental practice; transfer skills learned in the pre-clinical environment into the dental clinic; and

• appreciate the necessity for a preventive approach to the management of oral diseases in clinical settings; and to place the patient's long-term health and welfare interests above personal needs and concerns.

Assessment

Two 3-hour written examinations, one at the end of Semester 1 and one at the end of Semester 2; continuing assessment of preclinical procedures performed during the year and practical tests; continuing assessment of clinical procedures performed during the year and clinical tests; written assignments, practical reports and folio presentations. A pass in each of the written examinations and each of the continuing assessments is required for an overall pass in the subject.

Prescribed Texts

• A M Pattison and G L Pattison, Periodontal Instrumentation. 2nd ed., Appleton and Lange, 1992.
• National Health and Medical Research Council, Infection Control in the Health Care Setting. NHMRC, 1996.
• R W Phillips and B K Moore, Elements of Dental Materials for Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants. Saunders, 1994.