Outline

Academic unit	Discipline of Population Oral Health
Credit points	18
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Coordinator	Archana Pradhan, archana.pradhan@sydney.edu.au

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Oral exam	Viva General questions for all topics covered in Sem 1 and 2 and submitted Case Report	20%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam	Written exam General questions for all topics covered in Sem 1 and Sem 2	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Clinic sessions professionalism/communication, clinical procedures performed and documentation.	0%	Ongoing Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	throughout the semester	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	clinical log Record of all clinical cases	20%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	throughout the semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	case report Case report of care of a patient with physical disability	20%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	case presentation oral Case presentation of a patient with physical disability	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Self-reflection portfolio Self-reflection portfolio - Reflective journal of clinic sessions, lectures, professional development activities	0%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59	6 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

• Clinic sessions: You will be assessed on attendance, professionalism/communication, clinical procedures performed and documentation.

• Case presentation (written and oral): You will be assessed on case selection, diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis.

• Clinical Logbooks: You must have a complete record of all the patients seen.

• Self-reflection portfolio: Reflective journal of clinic sessions, lectures, professional development activities

• Oral exam: The exam will be a viva that covers all topics covered in Sem 1 and 2) lectures, meetings and clinics and submitted Case Report.

Assessment criteria

HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.
CN	Cancelled	No mark	When your enrolment has been cancelled.
DC	Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit under special circumstances (outlined in clause 92 of the Coursework Policy), after the relevant census date.
DF	Discontinue – fail	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DF deadline, and you have not been granted a discontinuation under special circumstances.
FR	Failed requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
SR	Satisfied requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
WD	Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript.
NE	Not examinable	No mark or 0	When you have exhausted your options to sit replacement exams or replacement assessment tests. An NE does not count as a fail on your transcript and won’t be included in your weighted average mark (WAM).

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:

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.

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Cognitive Disorders: Dementia and Delirium	Lecture (1 hr)
Polypharmacy and dry mouth	Lecture (1 hr)
Week -03	Aged care system and domiciliary care	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Pharmacological support- RA, Conscious Sedation and General Anaesthesia	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Mental illness: schizophrenia, bipolar	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Oral Health promotion, Education and Training in SND	Lecture (1 hr)

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 clinical expertise in assessment, interpretation, diagnosis, treatment planning with sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based clinical care in the management of the complex and unique needs of patients with special needs: people with mild-moderate disability and mental illness and residents in Residential Aged care Facilities (RACFs); Work efficiently as an inter-disciplinary team member.
LO2. Recognise both verbal and non-verbal signs relating to pain, anxiety and phobia in patients with special needs.
LO3. Demonstrate advanced skills in non-pharmacological behavioural support techniques, and the use of pharmacological agents (anxiolytics) for anxiety management.
LO4. Understand the relationship between systemic and oral health, and oral health related quality of life and their implications in the dental management of patients with special needs.
LO5. Understand the principles of oral health promotion; build interprofessional networking locally, advising carers and other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs to provide best practice care for them.
LO6. Learn the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and individuals that you engage with to ensure you can appreciate in a respectful and reflective way, what is culturally relevant, safe and sensitive communication to facilitate relationship building and apply of evidence and strengths-based best practice approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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
	Special Needs Dentistry - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 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 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.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. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 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 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2.a. guardianship, fostering and medical power of attorney 4.2.b. complex medical, psychological and physical conditions 4.2.c. assessment and management of orofacial pain 4.2.d. the application of psychological development and behavioural management techniques 4.2.e. the principles and application of pharmacology, and 4.2.f. the appropriate use of sedation and anaesthetic techniques. 5. Patient care 5.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.2.a. providing oral health care to patients with special needs 5.2.b. applying psychological and behaviour modification techniques 5.2.c. identifying the need for sedation and/or general anaesthesia 5.2.d. assessing and managing orofacial pain 5.2.e. advising other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs, and 5.2.f. advocating for provisions of oral health services for patients with special needs.
	Special Needs Dentistry - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 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 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.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.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 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 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2.a. guardianship, fostering and medical power of attorney 4.2.b. complex medical, psychological and physical conditions 4.2.c. assessment and management of orofacial pain 4.2.d. the application of psychological development and behavioural management techniques 4.2.e. the principles and application of pharmacology, and 4.2.f. the appropriate use of sedation and anaesthetic techniques. 5. Patient care 5.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 5.2.a. providing oral health care to patients with special needs 5.2.b. applying psychological and behaviour modification techniques 5.2.c. identifying the need for sedation and/or general anaesthesia 5.2.d. assessing and managing orofacial pain 5.2.e. advising other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs, and 5.2.f. advocating for provisions of oral health services for patients with special needs.
	Special Needs Dentistry - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 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 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.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.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 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 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2. Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 4.2.a. guardianship, fostering and medical power of attorney 4.2.b. complex medical, psychological and physical conditions 4.2.c. assessment and management of orofacial pain 4.2.d. the application of psychological development and behavioural management techniques 4.2.e. the principles and application of pharmacology, and 4.2.f. the appropriate use of sedation and anaesthetic techniques. 5. Patient care 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. providing oral health care to patients with special needs 5.2.b. applying psychological and behaviour modification techniques 5.2.c. identifying the need for sedation and/or general anaesthesia 5.2.d. assessing and managing orofacial pain 5.2.e. advising other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs, and
	Special Needs Dentistry - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 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 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.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. Critical thinking - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4. Scientific and clinical knowledge 4.1. Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following areas of knowledge, as relevant to the specialty: 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 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2.b. complex medical, psychological and physical conditions 4.2.c. assessment and management of orofacial pain 4.2.d. the application of psychological development and behavioural management techniques 4.2.e. the principles and application of pharmacology, and 4.2.f. the appropriate use of sedation and anaesthetic techniques. 5. Patient care 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. providing oral health care to patients with special needs 5.2.b. applying psychological and behaviour modification techniques 5.2.c. identifying the need for sedation and/or general anaesthesia 5.2.d. assessing and managing orofacial pain 5.2.e. advising other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs, and 5.2.f. advocating for provisions of oral health services for patients with special needs.
	Special Needs 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.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 5.2.e. advising other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs, and 5.2.f. advocating for provisions of oral health services for patients with special needs.
	Special Needs Dentistry - 1. Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2. Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty: 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.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. 4.2.a. guardianship, fostering and medical power of attorney 5.2.f. advocating for provisions of oral health services for patients with special needs.

Special Needs Dentistry -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Professionalism - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
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.f		understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping
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		Communication and social skills - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
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.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
3.b		synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
4		Scientific and clinical knowledge
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
4.1.e		management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients.
4.2.a		guardianship, fostering and medical power of attorney
4.2.b		complex medical, psychological and physical conditions
4.2.c		assessment and management of orofacial pain
4.2.d		the application of psychological development and behavioural management techniques
4.2.e		the principles and application of pharmacology, and
4.2.f		the appropriate use of sedation and anaesthetic techniques.
5		Patient care
5.1		Generic - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
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		Specific - A graduate specialist is expected to be competent in the following, as relevant to the specialty:
5.2.a		providing oral health care to patients with special needs
5.2.b		applying psychological and behaviour modification techniques
5.2.c		identifying the need for sedation and/or general anaesthesia
5.2.d		assessing and managing orofacial pain
5.2.e		advising other practitioners who are providing oral health care to patients with special needs, and
5.2.f		advocating for provisions of oral health services for patients with special needs.

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

Work, health and safety

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DENT6042: Special Needs Dentistry II

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

Work, health and safety

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links