Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of disease prevention and health promotion in dentistry. By focussing on the social, behavioural, and environmental determinants of oral health, students will develop knowledge to critically assess and apply preventive strategies across diverse populations. Students will explore contemporary approaches to oral health promotion, including behaviour change models, community engagement, and policy-based interventions. Through critical analysis of current public health programs and global oral health initiatives, learners will develop advanced skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based preventive strategies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Population Oral Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Comprehensive knowledge in all aspects of General Dentistry, particularly in Restorative Dentistry and Oral Rehabilitation
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rebecca Chen, rebecca.chen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Critical review of evidence - Blog Article Providing a critical review of a scholarly paper addressing prevention and writing it up as a blog article.	40%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Health Promotion Program Planning and Development Development of an oral health promotion strategy/program for a given scenario.	60%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59	2000-2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Health Promotion Program Planning: This assessment requires students to use the knowledge acquired in the unit to develop a protocol that describes a health promotion intervention that addresses a population-level issue in a given community. Students may select, in conjunction with the unit coordinator, a relevant and appropriate population to design an intervention to target. Students should present a protocol that embodies the principles discussed as part of the learning sessions.

Critical Review of Evidence: Students will be asked to provide a critique on a paper that addresses the philosophy and/or practice of prevention in oral health. Students will be required to present their critique in a scholarly manner.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Students will be penalised by 5% for each 24 hour period assessments are late by. Assessments that are more than 5 days late will achieve a fail grade.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Please select a valid week from the list below	Project Presentations	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to prevention philosophies and approaches.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	The use of water fluoridation as a population-level oral health preventive intervention.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Research: Project progress and updates.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	Economics of oral disease prevention.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Health policies for oral disease prevention.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	Community and consumer engagement for better health outcomes.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	Research: Project progress and updates.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 08	Commercial determinants of health promotion.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	Interprofessional prevention strategies in oral health promotion.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	Oral disease prevention - priority populations: Aboriginal, CALD, older people, Chronic disease, People with a disability	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	Digital technology (incl. informatics) for oral disease prevention.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	Research: Project progress and updates.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	Community-based preventive oral health promotion strategies incl. school programs.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Cultural safety/competence and disease prevention.	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance is a professional responsibility required of all students admitted to academic programs within the Sydney Dental School. All programs in the Sydney Dental School have a 90% attendance policy, for all compulsory components of Units of Study, as detailed in the Faculty of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2015. This includes all clinical and practical sessions. The course requirements cannot be satisfied if more than 10% of any section of a course is missed for any reason.
Professionalism: Students in all Sydney Dental School programs are subject to theFaculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Requirements 2019 and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Professionalism Provisions 2019. Professionalism is an essential component of developing competency to practice. It is important for students to demonstrate professional behaviour in all contexts and environments. In accordance with these local provisions: candidates who demonstrate serious or repeated unprofessional behaviour may be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should be continued. Failure to show cause may result in exclusion from the course.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

N/A

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate understanding of how fluorides may be used in a variety of clinical and public health contexts to prevent dental caries. This includes the ability to articulate the limits of clinical prevention
LO2. create and present a population-level health promotion strategy for preventing dental disease in a given population
LO3. apply the common risk factor approach to present an interprofessional strategy to improve oral and general health outcomes
LO4. demonstrate knowledge of social marketing techniques and how these are applicable in the context of oral health
LO5. critically consider the social determinants of oral health and how these may impact upon preventative efforts against dental diseases
LO6. demonstrate knowledge of the principles of the commercial determinants of health through exploring the activities of industries that negatively impact oral and general health
LO7. critique how the dental profession itself may contribute to disparities and deficiencies in oral health

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.b. practising with personal and professional integrity, honesty and trustworthiness 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.b. practising with personal and professional integrity, honesty and trustworthiness 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and 5.1.c. managing complications. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.b. practising with personal and professional integrity, honesty and trustworthiness 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and 5.1.c. managing complications. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

N/A

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

Students must comply with work health and safety, infection control and dress standard policies of all laboratories, placement sites and Local Health Districts (LHDs).

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DENT5103: Oral Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links