Learning outcomes - Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry)

On successful completion of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry), students will be able to:

	Learning outcome	Graduate qualities
1	Provide advanced paediatric dentistry care by integrating specialised disciplinary knowledge, clinical skills and communication to deliver patient-centred outcomes as part of the dental team	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Oral and written communication Information and digital literacy Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity Influence
2	Assess and manage children and adolescents with complex oral health needs by applying advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based care within the scope and standards of the relevant accrediting body	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Oral and written communication Information and digital literacy Inventiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness
3	Provide culturally safe, inclusive care by adapting communication and clinical approaches to the needs of diverse children, families and communities	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Oral and written communication Information and digital literacy Cultural competence Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity Influence
4	Apply ethical, legal and professional responsibilities in paediatric dentistry, demonstrating autonomy, accountability, integrity and accurate clinical governance/documentation	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Oral and written communication Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity
5	Apply strengths-based approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care by demonstrating culturally safe, sensitive communication and reflective practice in engagement with children, families and communities	Depth of disciplinary expertise Oral and written communication Information and digital literacy Inventiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity Influence
6	Collaborate with dental and medical/allied health professionals to coordinate safe care, including appropriate consultation, referral and escalation, and communicate the limits of current evidence to support shared decision-making	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Oral and written communication Inventiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness Influence
7	Critically reflect on clinical performance and team processes to improve patient care, manage risks, and develop effective leadership and teamwork practices	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Inventiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity Influence
8	Evaluate and integrate recent developments in paediatric dentistry by synthesising evidence to improve practice and support continuing professional development	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Information and digital literacy Inventiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity
9	Manage paediatric dental anxiety and behaviour by selecting and implementing appropriate behaviour guidance strategies and adjuncts (including local anaesthesia and referral/co-management pathways for sedation/GA where indicated) to deliver safe care and minimise risk	Depth of disciplinary expertise Oral and written communication Cultural competence Interdisciplinary effectiveness Influence
10	Plan and execute a substantial research-informed project in paediatric dentistry (e.g., clinical audit, quality improvement, or practice-based research) using appropriate methods to address a defined clinical question and communicate outcomes to professional audiences	Depth of disciplinary expertise Critical thinking and problem solving Information and digital literacy Inventiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity