Outline

Overview

This unit aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary for the practice of clinical Oral Medicine; being the non-surgical management of diseases affecting the orofacial tissues and adjacent areas. Foundational skills and knowledge in a range of relevant areas are developed including history taking; examination; application and interpretation of special investigations including radiology, serology and biopsies; diagnosis and management of oral mucosal disease, disorders of the salivary glands, orofacial pain, temporomandibular dysfunction. Experience is gained in aspects of dental sleep medicine. Students are also involved in treatment planning for the dental management of medically complex patients. Emphasis is placed on effective communication and interdisciplinary care.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Diagnostics
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	DENT5200 and DENT5119 and PAIN5023 and DENT5120 and DENT6000
Corequisites ?	DENT5219 and DENT5220 and DENT6010
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
Lecturer(s)	Suma Sukumar, suma.sukumar@sydney.edu.au
	Mark Schifter, mark.schifter@sydney.edu.au
	Ben Karim, ben.karim@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Sue-Ching Yeoh, sue-ching.yeoh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Oral exam ?	Viva voce Viva Voce	10%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam ?	Written examination Written Exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Continuous assessment of didactic learning Assessment of didactic learning	10%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Continuous sessional assessment Clinical skills evaluation	40%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Continuous sessional assessment (for DENT5118 and DENT5218): 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.
Viva voce (for DENT5118): At the conclusion of semester 1 there is a general viva voce examination in which applied oral biology, oral pathology, oral medicine and general and internal medicine are examined in concert, covering the full range of both theoretical and clinical aspects of these disciplines, with the expected standard that of an early first year trainee in oral medicine.
Essay (for DENT5218): An essay is to be prepared on a topic to be advised early in semester 2, with the expected standard that of a first year trainee in oral medicine.
Viva voce (for DENT5218): A general viva voce examination in which oral pathology, oral medicine and general and internal medicine are examined in concert, covering the full range of both theoretical and clinical aspects of these disciplines, with the expected standard that of a first year trainee in oral medicine.
Written examination (for DENT5218): A written paper with 4 essays from a choice of 5, each of 25% value. Subject matter to be examined will include the full range of theoretical and clinical oral medicine, with the expected standard that of a first 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 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.

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
Ongoing	Temporomandibular disorders - classification	Seminar (3 hr)
	Temporomandibular disorders - diagnosis	Seminar (3 hr)
	Temporomandibular disorders - management	Seminar (3 hr)
	Temporomandibular joint pathology	Seminar (3 hr)
	Bruxism	Seminar (3 hr)
	Granulomatous inflammation	Seminar (3 hr)
	Journal club	Seminar (4 hr)
	Self directed learning	Seminar (16 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 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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. demonstrate a good understanding of oro-facial diseases and conditions, at the level expected of a first year trainee in oral medicine
LO2. demonstrate a good knowledge and systematic approach for diagnostic procedures, treatment planning and management of oro-facial diseases, at the level expected of a first 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 first year trainee in oral medicine
LO4. demonstrate an ability to work in hospital multidisciplinary teams at the level of a first 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Changes have been made to assessment structure.

Additional information

Canvas

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

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DENT5218: Oral Medicine Level 1B

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links