Outline

Overview

This unit provides students studying at the postgraduate level with further experience in practical dental sedation methods and procedures, with a theoretical focus on advanced level local anaesthesia.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Diagnostics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	DENT5300 and DENT5301
Corequisites ?	DENT5302
Prohibitions ?	physical and/or mental impairments jeopardizing performance of safe clinical dentistry and safety/health of patients and staff.
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	Ken Harrison, ken.harrison@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Nancy Chen, nche9693@uni.sydney.edu.au
	Robert Turnbull, robert.turnbull@sydney.edu.au
	Michael Walker, m.walker@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
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Clinical placement summary of each days learning done with tutor at end of each day	0%	Ongoing	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Clinical logbook Logbook	0%	Ongoing	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Draft written assignment Written assignment	20%	Week 01 Due date: 04 Aug 2025 at 10:00	refer to assessment information	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Practice knowledge test written Written practice knowledge test	0%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2025 at 10:00	1 Hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Learning Journal Written assignment	20%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2025 at 10:00	refer to assessment information	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final written assignment Written assignment	60%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2025 at 10:00	refer to assessment information	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Formative Clinical Sessional Feedback: Continuous sessional assessment occurs during each pre- clinical and clinical session. These assessments aim to determine student development of clinical competency on models or with patient care at each session. These assessments will be discussed with the student at the end of each day or session and are summative in this unit of study.
Required Formative Clinical Logbook: A Clinical Logbook is to be kept and handed in at the end of each semester. It is designed to guide the students towards the types and numbers of procedures, practices, skills and situations that it is desirable for them to do over the 2 year period. For the first year of this course the log book is formative in assessment only.
Summative Draft Written Assignment: The written assignment topic will be distributed on the first day of the term and a draft answer must be typed and submitted by 0900 of the Monday of Week 5 of semester. It should have the full essay structure and all concepts and major points as a minimum
Summative Final Written Assignment: Final assignments (2000 words) must be typed, referenced and submitted by 0900 on the Monday of Week 12 of semester.
Summative Reflective Learning Journal: A Reflective Learning Journal is compulsory for this course. Whilst a large amount of the learning necessary for this course is under the domains of knowledge and skills, a significant percentage is under the domain of attitude and a reflective learning journal is a mechanism for the student to document changes in that domain. It must be submitted by 0900 on the Monday of Week 12 of semester and should include entries for all learning activities including classrooms, clinical situations and private study

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
Multiple weeks	Sedation clinic	Clinical practice (3 hr)
Multiple weeks	Operating theatres	Clinical practice (3 hr)
Week 01	Classroom sessions	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Classroom sessions	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Weekly	Self-directed learning	Independent study (15 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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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.

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

LO1. demonstrate in the clinical setting an emerging understanding of the moral, cultural, ethical principles, legal responsibilities and regulatory requirements involved in the provision of conscious sedation
LO2. demonstrate through reflective learning an understanding of personal limitations, and patient limitations and the need for continuing professional development
LO3. demonstrate an emerging capacity in communicating effectively with patients, carers and their families, including shared decision making, concerning all aspects of their care
LO4. demonstrate an emerging capacity in communicating effectively with the dental team and other health professionals
LO5. demonstrate an emerging capacity in critically evaluating research and the literature, products and techniques in forming an evidenced based practice
LO6. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of evidence-based information in relation to electronic monitoring that is pertinent to conscious sedation
LO7. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of evidence-based information in relation to advanced local anaesthesia that is pertinent to conscious sedation
LO8. demonstrate in the clinical setting an emerging knowledge of relevant regulations, policies and guidelines, patient assessment and recovery and discharge criteria
LO9. demonstrate in the clinical setting an emerging knowledge of the different states of altered consciousness, the limitations and risks of the techniques involved in inducing conscious sedation and the pharmacology of the various agents used
LO10. use, manage and troubleshoot relevant electronic monitoring that is pertinent to conscious sedation
LO11. perform advanced local anaesthesia that is pertinent to conscious sedation
LO12. demonstrate emerging skills and understanding of practical dental sedation methods and techniques, including decision making
LO13. demonstrate an emerging skill in pre-operative and perioperative patient assessment, including informed consent, as relates to conscious sedation
LO14. demonstrate an emerging skill in methods of airway control on a manikin.

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
	Conscious Sedation - 1.2 (b). understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of conscious sedation as part of dental care to individual patients, communities and populations 1.3 (c). understanding and applying of legislation relevant to practice as an endorsed dentist 1.5 (e). understanding regulatory requirements relevant to conscious sedation, and 4.12 (l). relevant regulations, policies and guidelines.
	Conscious Sedation - 1.1 (a). recognising personal limitations and scope of the endorsement and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately based on individualised patient risk assessment for conscious sedation and incorporating local referral arrangements 1.6 (f). recognising the importance of continuing professional development relevant to the endorsement
	Conscious Sedation - 2.1 (a). identifying and understanding a patient’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering treatment under conscious sedation 2.2 (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 and relevant to the endorsement 2.3 (c). incorporate the elements of shared decision-making when developing an individualised conscious sedation plan with patients, families, relatives and carers 2.5 (e). providing pre and post-operative instructions to a patient or carer with regard to sedative techniques. 5.1 (a). selecting appropriate patients and patient-specific procedures 5.2 (b). obtaining and recording patient informed consent for the use of conscious sedation 5.3 (c). performing a preoperative patient assessment
	Conscious Sedation - 2.4 (d). interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas to the dental team and other health professionals, including communicate an individualised sedation plan to the patient, team members and other health professionals, and 5.8 (h). displaying high level, acute crisis management in emergencies 5.9 (i). managing acute medical emergencies including cardiac arrest, collapse, anaphylaxis and other medical emergencies in the dental surgery, and
	Conscious Sedation - 3.1 (a). critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based practice 4.1 (a). historical and contemporary literature
	Conscious Sedation - 4.10 (j). relevant equipment used in monitoring and management of medical emergencies in a clinical setting
	Conscious Sedation - 5.5 (e). administering advanced forms of local analgesia
	Conscious Sedation - 4.11 (k). the recovery and discharge criteria for a patient who has undergone conscious sedation, and 4.12 (l). relevant regulations, policies and guidelines. 4.3 (c). preoperative patient assessment techniques 5.10 (j). managing the post-operative needs and discharge of their patients.
	Conscious Sedation - 4.2 (b). scientific basis of conscious sedation including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.4 (d). different states of altered consciousness as with conscious sedation 4.5 (e). the limitations and risks of the various techniques used to induce conscious sedation 4.6 (f). appropriate use in the clinical setting of various techniques used to induce conscious sedation 5.4 (d). various techniques used in the clinical setting to induce conscious sedation 5.6 (f). administering pharmaceutical agents used across all routes of administration including management of side effects
	Conscious Sedation - 5.4 (d). various techniques used in the clinical setting to induce conscious sedation
	Conscious Sedation - 5.5 (e). administering advanced forms of local analgesia
	Conscious Sedation - 5.4 (d). various techniques used in the clinical setting to induce conscious sedation 5.5 (e). administering advanced forms of local analgesia 5.6 (f). administering pharmaceutical agents used across all routes of administration including management of side effects
	Conscious Sedation - 2.1 (a). identifying and understanding a patient’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering treatment under conscious sedation 3.2 (b). synthesizing complex information, problems, concepts and theories, and 4.3 (c). preoperative patient assessment techniques 5.2 (b). obtaining and recording patient informed consent for the use of conscious sedation 5.3 (c). performing a preoperative patient assessment
	Conscious Sedation - 5.4 (d). various techniques used in the clinical setting to induce conscious sedation

Conscious Sedation -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1 (a)		recognising personal limitations and scope of the endorsement and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately based on individualised patient risk assessment for conscious sedation and incorporating local referral arrangements
1.2 (b)		understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of conscious sedation as part of dental care to individual patients, communities and populations
1.3 (c)		understanding and applying of legislation relevant to practice as an endorsed dentist
1.4 (d)		using a system approach to safety and quality in health care
1.5 (e)		understanding regulatory requirements relevant to conscious sedation, and
1.6 (f)		recognising the importance of continuing professional development relevant to the endorsement
2.1 (a)		identifying and understanding a patient’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering treatment under conscious sedation
2.2 (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 and relevant to the endorsement
2.3 (c)		incorporate the elements of shared decision-making when developing an individualised conscious sedation plan with patients, families, relatives and carers
2.4 (d)		interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas to the dental team and other health professionals, including communicate an individualised sedation plan to the patient, team members and other health professionals, and
2.5 (e)		providing pre and post-operative instructions to a patient or carer with regard to sedative techniques.
3.1 (a)		critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based practice
3.2 (b)		synthesizing complex information, problems, concepts and theories, and
4.1 (a)		historical and contemporary literature
4.10 (j)		relevant equipment used in monitoring and management of medical emergencies in a clinical setting
4.11 (k)		the recovery and discharge criteria for a patient who has undergone conscious sedation, and
4.12 (l)		relevant regulations, policies and guidelines.
4.2 (b)		scientific basis of conscious sedation including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences
4.3 (c)		preoperative patient assessment techniques
4.4 (d)		different states of altered consciousness as with conscious sedation
4.5 (e)		the limitations and risks of the various techniques used to induce conscious sedation
4.6 (f)		appropriate use in the clinical setting of various techniques used to induce conscious sedation
4.7 (g)		pharmaceutical agents relevant to conscious sedation, the various routes of administration, reversal and the management of side effects
4.9 (i)		management of acute medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, collapse, anaphylaxis and other medical emergencies in a clinical setting
5.1 (a)		selecting appropriate patients and patient-specific procedures
5.10 (j)		managing the post-operative needs and discharge of their patients.
5.2 (b)		obtaining and recording patient informed consent for the use of conscious sedation
5.3 (c)		performing a preoperative patient assessment
5.4 (d)		various techniques used in the clinical setting to induce conscious sedation
5.5 (e)		administering advanced forms of local analgesia
5.6 (f)		administering pharmaceutical agents used across all routes of administration including management of side effects
5.7 (g)		use and management of all forms of relevant equipment used in the monitoring and management of medical emergencies in a clinical setting
5.8 (h)		displaying high level, acute crisis management in emergencies
5.9 (i)		managing acute medical emergencies including cardiac arrest, collapse, anaphylaxis and other medical emergencies in the dental surgery, and

Responding to student feedback

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional information

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DENT5303: Theory and Practice of Dental Sedation B

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links