Unit outline_

DENT5121: Oral Medicine Level 2A

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

This unit follows on from Oral Medicine 1B. Students continue to build their theoretical knowledge base and practical skills with particular emphasis on history taking, clinical examination, application and interpretation of investigations including imaging, serology and biopsies. Further experience in the diagnosis and management of oral mucosal disease, disorders of the salivary glands, orofacial pain, temporomandibular dysfunction is gained through outpatient Oral Medicine clinics at Westmead Hospital, as well as involvement in interdisciplinary team management. Students continue to be involved in treatment planning for the dental management of medically complex patients.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Discipline of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Diagnostics
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
DENT5218 and DENT5219 and DENT5220 and DENT6010
Corequisites
? 
DENT5122 and DENT5123 and DENT6011
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Sue-Ching Yeoh, sue-ching.yeoh@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Oral exam hurdle task Viva voce
Oral exam (viva voce)
20% Formal exam period 1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Written exam hurdle task Written exam
Written exam
60% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Practical skill hurdle task Continuous sessional assessment
Clinical skills evaluation
20% Ongoing n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Continuous sessional assessment : Continuous sessional assessment occurs during each pre-clinical and clinical session. These assessments aim to determine student development of clinical competency with patient care as developed during the semester. The assessments also contribute to progression decisions and include consideration of professionalism; patient management and communication.
  • Oral viva voce : There is a general viva voce examination in which both oral pathology and oral medicine are examined in concert together with internal and general medicine, covering the full range of both theoretical and clinical aspects of these disciplines, with the expected standard of a second year trainee in oral medicine.
  • Written exam: There is a written paper, subject matter to be examined will include the full range of theoretical and clinical oral medicine and internal and general medicine, with the expected standard of a second year trainee in oral medicine.
  • Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

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.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Ongoing Outpatient Oral Medicine Clinic Clinic (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Self directed learning Self-directed learning (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Weekly Bacterial infections Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Antibiotics Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Fungal infections Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Anti-fungal agents Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Viral infections Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Anti-viral agents Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
HIV-AIDS Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Potentially malignant disorders Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

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 the Faculty 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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

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 a very good understanding of oro-facial diseases and conditions, at the level expected of a second year trainee in oral medicine
  • LO2. demonstrate a very good knowledge and systematic approach for diagnostic procedures, treatment planning and management of oro-facial diseases, at the level expected of a second year trainee in oral medicine
  • LO3. demonstrate a very good understanding of medically compromised patients and appropriate dental management, at the level expected of a second year trainee in oral medicine
  • LO4. work in hospital multidisciplinary teams at the level of a second year trainee in Oral medicine.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Oral Medicine - DBA
1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
4. Scientific and clinical knowledge
5. Patient care
LO2
Oral Medicine - DBA
1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
4. Scientific and clinical knowledge
5. Patient care
LO3
Oral Medicine - DBA
1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
4. Scientific and clinical knowledge
5. Patient care
LO4
Oral Medicine - DBA
1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
3. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
4. Scientific and clinical knowledge
5. Patient care
Oral Medicine -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1 T P A Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
2 T P A Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
3 T P A Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
4 T P A Scientific and clinical knowledge
5 T P A Patient care

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

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.

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