Unit outline_

ORHL2202: Oral Health Clinical Practice IV

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

In semester 2, students are introduced to restorative clinical practice and continue to build on periodontal and radiographic knowledge and skills. Students learn the application of evidence-based practice in the clinic and further investigate the ethical and professional concepts required for accepted behaviour in clinical practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Discipline of Oral Health
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
ORHL2102
Corequisites
? 
ORHL2201 and ORHL2204
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jennifer Mardini, jennifer.mardini@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Andrew Terry, a.terry@sydney.edu.au
Alexander Holden, alexander.holden@sydney.edu.au
Melanie Aley, melanie.aley@sydney.edu.au
Kyle Cheng, kyle.cheng@sydney.edu.au
Nikki Barrett, nikki.barrett@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Practical exam
? 
hurdle task
Tooth Conservation Skills Assessment
Practical assessment
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 21 Nov 2025 at 08:00
2.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO6
Practical exam
? 
hurdle task
OSCE
Clinical and patient safety examination.
35% Formal exam period
Due date: 25 Nov 2025 at 08:00
1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO6 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-person practical or creative task hurdle task Continuous Clinical Assessment - Clinical Practice & Tooth Cons
Continuous clinical assessment across all placement sites.
20% Multiple weeks Ongoing AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical skill hurdle task Participation in clinical and preclinical sessions
Participation in clinical and preclinical sessions
0% Multiple weeks - AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
Early feedback task - MCQ
0% Week 03
Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 23:00
30 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Out-of-class quiz Orthodontics Quiz
Online quiz
5% Week 13
Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:00
30 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO7
In-class quiz Periodontal Quiz
In class periodontal quiz Time of quiz TBC
10% Week 13
Due date: 16 Oct 2025 at 09:00
1hr AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Practical skill hurdle task Progression in Competency Document
Students are required to submit their competency documentation to demonstrate ongoing progress, as full submission of the completed document is mandated in the third year. Completion of the prescribed competencies with a minimum achievement of learner.
0% Week 13 Continuous assessment AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Assessment Blueprint and from academics in each subject area.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur the following penalties: 5% for each day of the late submission

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
Week -01 Simulation: Revision of paediatric restorations (Paediatrics) M.Lawther Workshop (3 hr) LO1
Simulation: Primary Dental Extractions (Paediatrics) R. Huang Simulation laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Simulation: Pulpotomy & SSC/ Hall Crown - (Paediatrics) K.Cheng Workshop (6 hr) LO1
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 2 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 2 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Revision of Pulpotomy (AM) & Competency of Pulpotomy (PM). (Paediatrics) K.Cheng Workshop (6 hr) LO1
Week -02 Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 1 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 1 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Simulation: Revision of paediatric restorations (Paediatrics) M.Lawther Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 01 Lecture: Veracity (Professional Practice) (W.Carlson-Jones) (Entire cohort required) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 3 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 3 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Radiographic estimation of age (radiology) E. Delamare Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
ADVANCED PERIO TUTORIAL: Periodontal diagnosis/classification update (PERIO/CLINICAL PRACTICE) T.Acret Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1
Week 02 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 4 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 4 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Dental Anomalies- S. Hedge (Radiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
ADVANCED PERIO TUTORIAL: Periodontal Treatment Planning (PERIO/CLINICAL PRACTICE) (T.Acret) Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1
ADVANCED PERIO WORKSHOP IN SIMULATION: Advanced Periodontal Workshop (PERIO/CLINICAL PRACTICE) (T.Acret) Workshop (3 hr) LO1
Week 03 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Introduction to Orthodontics (Orthodontics) E.Kayalar Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 5 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 5 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Implants, Restorations and Metal Objects - S.Hedge (Radiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 04 Clinical conduct (Professional Practice) (entire cohort required) (W.Carlson-Jones) Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 6 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 6 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Systematic Radiographic Analysis of Oral Pathology (radiology)- S.Hegde Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
SDS Research Day - 25th of August 2025 Seminar (6 hr) LO1
Week 05 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Retention and Relapse (Orthodontics) E.Kayalar Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 7 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 7 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
ADVANCED PERIO WORKSHOP IN SIMULATION: Advanced Periodontal Workshop (PERIO/CLINICAL PRACTICE) (T.Acret) Workshop (3 hr) LO1
Paediatric Case Based learning 1 - in simulation (paediatric) M.Lawther Practical (3 hr) LO1
Rural Placement Info Session Workshop (1 hr)  
Week 06 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 8 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 8 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 07 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 9 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 9 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
CBCT E.Delamare (Radiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 08 Fixed and Removable appliance (Orthodontics) (entire cohort required) E. Kayalar Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 10 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 10 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Clinical communication and managing patient complaints -(Professional practice) M.Webb Online class (1 hr) LO3
Paediatric Case Based learning 2 - in simulation (paediatric) M.Lawther Practical (3 hr) LO1
Week 09 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 11 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 11 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Lecture: Tooth Conservation Repair, Replace or Restore (Tooth Conservation) V.Miltetic Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO6
Diagnostic imaging of dental trauma (radiology) E.Delamare Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 10 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 12 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 12 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 11 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 13 Group Y (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Practical Simulation: Tooth Conservation Simulation Topic 13 Group X (Tooth Conservation) J.Mardini Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 12 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
MOCK ASSESSMENT OSCE - J.Mardini Rehearsal (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Periodontics/ Paediatrics Clinical Practice Clinical practice (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

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 Medicine and Health – School of Dentistry Attendance Provisions 2020. 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. Analyse clinical and theoretical knowledge to preventive, emergency, periodontal and restorative clinical practice, whilst recognising scope of practice using an evidence-based and patient-centered approach for all ages.
  • LO2. Critique panoramic, periapical and bitewing radiographs, in order to provide comprehensive oral health care.
  • LO3. Develop the professional identity of the oral health therapist, recognise scope of practice, importance of consent, confidentiality, medico-legal requirements and patient communication.
  • LO4. Assess patient anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology in order to safely and effectively communicate and administer local anaesthetic agents to patients.
  • LO5. Analyse pertinent medical findings and the signs and symptoms of various medical conditions and predict basic medical emergency protocols
  • LO6. Analyse the clinical diagnosis of carious lesions to justify tooth conservation practice in clinic.
  • LO7. Explain malocclusion and the phases of orthodontic treatment and clinical practice, relative to the oral health therapist scope of practice.

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

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

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.