Outline

Overview

In this unit, students will participate in various learning activities to introduce dentistry in the context of healthcare and society. Concepts such as the social contract and patient centred care are introduced to facilitate student examination of the professional environment of oral health care. Sudents explore career pathways, and begin to develop skills with data, formulating research questions and searching for relevant evidence. This unit contains a program of learning in head and neck anatomy, tooth morphology and introductory concepts in basic science to establish the biomedical basis of dentistry. Students commence development of skills in tooth restoration and prosthetic construction in simulation and laboratory settings. Students are encouraged to consider the scope of practice and professional competencies of a dentist.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Restorative and Reconstructive Dentistry
Credit points	24
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Biological science
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Maria Tran, maria.tran@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Prosthodontics exam Knowledge assessment.	0%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam	Oral and systemic bioscience & nutrition knowledge assessment Knowledge assessment.	0%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam	Cariology Assessment Cariology assessment	0%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	IPL Introductory Workshop Satisfactory attendance at and participation in FMH IPL intro workshops.	0%	Multiple weeks	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	EBP continuous assessment Canvas Quiz	0%	Multiple weeks	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Portfolio Reflective Tasks, Learning Advisors Meetings, Reflection of Competencies	0%	Multiple weeks	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Prevention and health promotion continuous assessment In-class activity or small test	0%	Ongoing	TBA	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Prosthdontics lab Participate in the prosthdontics lab sessions, complete tasks as required	0%	Progressive	Over semester	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Tooth conservation practical progress Tooth conservation practical progress	0%	Progressive	Over semester	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Clinical and pre-clinical placements Participation in rostered pre-clinical and clinical sessions	0%	Progressive	As rostered	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Periodontics continuous sessional assessment Periodontics practical continuous sessional assessment.	0%	Progressive	Over semester	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Completion of NCCC Cultural competence modules Completion of the five modules	0%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Approximately 1 hour to complete each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Population Oral Health Canvas Quiz Population Oral Health Canvas Quiz	0%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 09:00	TBA	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Dentists in context presentation Societal expectations of dentists	0%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2026 at 08:00	2 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Integrated assignment - oral presentation Oral presentation on enquiry topic	0%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 08:00	5 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Completing odontograms Completing odontograms	0%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59	TBA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Nutrition written group assignment Nutrition written group assignment.	0%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59	TBA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Sem 1 Periodontal In-Semester Instrumentation Practice Exam Periodontics practical assessment.	0%	Week 12 Due date: 19 May 2026 at 08:00	TBA	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Pre-clinical Tooth conservation practical assessment Tooth conservation practical assessment	0%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2026 at 08:00	TBA	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Integrated Assignment - written report Written report of an inquiry topic.	0%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	OSB Self-assessment Required unsupervised online quizzes scheduled for each module.	0%	Weekly	N.A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	OSB Experiential learning sessions Participation in experiential learning and success in in-classroom tests	0%	Weekly	Over semester	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment Information:

Assessment in the DMD Program involves a longitudinal program of assessment, attendance, professionalism, Learning Advisor meetings and opportunities for remediation and further assessment. Refer to the SDS Assessment Local Provision and the SDS Attendance Local Provision for further information.

Assessments are integrated across the 7 vertical themes:

1. Leadership, communication and professionalisation (LCP)

2. Prevention and health promotion (PHP)

3. Clinical sciences and clinical skills (CS&CS)

4. Evidence based practice (EBP)

5. Social and cultural oral health (SCOH)

6. Oral and systemic biosciences (OSB)

7. Interprofessional teamwork (IPT)

Progression information:

The expected standard for each assessment must be met. Decisions will be made in reference to the expected standard for each individual assessment and based on the University grading table for knowledge-based assessments and competency levels as defined by rubrics for submitted work and skill based clinical assessment.

Progression is determined by the Portfolio Advisory Group at the end of the semester. The Portfolio Advisory Group will meet at the end of semester one to review student progress in each theme of the DMD and students will meet with a learning advisor once per semester to review their achievements.

All students who meet the expected standard in all assessments will progress.

Professionalism breaches will be considered in alignment with the FMH Professionalism Requirements and FMH Professionalism Provisions.

Where students have been determined to be Borderline or Below Expected Standard in one or more of the assessments, the Portfolio Advisory Group will determine eligibility for progression and whether remediation, additional learning tasks and further assessment is required to determine eligibility for progression.

Barrier clinical skills competency assessments are a patient safety requirement and are in place to ensure students meet the required standard prior to progressing on to the next stage / patient care. If further assessment is offered, one reassessment will be offered.

Note there is NOT a total numerical score that determines progression. Students are required to meet the individual assessment expected standard to progress.

DMD Progression Rules can be found in the Handbook (check the handbook for the year you commenced your candidature) and should be read in conjunction with the DMD Unit of study table.

Assessment criteria

This unit is marked on the basis of Pass / Fail where students are awarded a grade of Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements as set out in this table.

Result name	Mark range	Description
Satisfied requirements	50 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard.
Failed requirements	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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:

Late penalties - as listed in Assessment Procedures 2024. Link: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

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
Week -01	CS&CS - Pros Lab 2: Construct maxillary edentulous special trays (muco-compressive). Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Pros seminar 2: Primary impressions & custom trays. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons seminar 4: Cavity design: Principles and Class V. Prof Vesna Miletic	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 3: Class V GI cavity prep. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP 2: How is knowledge generated?	Seminar (1 hr)
	IPT: Introduction to interprofessional teamwork in DMD. Dr Phillip Burke	Seminar (0.5 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 1 Permanent incisors and canines	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 2 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 2 Skull and vertebral column	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 1 Introduction to anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Nutrition Workshop 2: Supportive Nutrition and Development. Dr Nikki Barrett	Workshop (1 hr)
	PHP: Oral health disparities. Dr Arash Ghanbarzadegan	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio practical 1: Individually trained oral prophylaxis.	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 3: Caries prevention via plaque and diet control. A/Prof Rahena Akhter	Seminar (1 hr)
	LCP: Ethics and professionalisation.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week -02	CS&CS - Pros seminar 1: Introduction to complete dentures. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS Tooth Cons seminar 3: Posture and positioning. Prof Vesna Miletic	Seminar (1 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 1. Who am I and why am I here?	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 1 Enamel and dentine defects	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 1 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	Nutrition Workshop 1: Introduction and Nutrition in Infancy. (pre-recorded)	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)
	PHP: Definitions of health. Dr Arash Ghanbarzadegan	Seminar (1 hr)
	Hospital Orientation - SDH - COMPULSORY - see Canvas for details	Seminar (8 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 1: Introduction to cariology - what is dental caries? A/Prof Rahena Akhter (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 2: Caries causation: plaque, saliva, diet and fluoride factors. A/Prof Rahena Akhter	Seminar (1 hr)
	EBP: Introduction to literature reviews. Pre-recorded	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week -03	School Orientation	Seminar (8 hr)
	CS&CS - Pros Lab 1: Primary impressions for complete dentures and pour-up. Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons seminar 1: Introduction, instruments & equipment, positioning. Prof Vesna Miletic	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons seminar 2: Tooth isolation (Rubber Dam). Prof Vesna Miletic	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 1: Infection control, dental unit (SIM pod), instruments & posture. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 2: Tooth isolation (Rubber Dam). Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP 1: Introduction to EBP in DMD. Live online delivery	Seminar (1 hr)
	OSB: Introduction to Oral and Systemic Biosciences	Seminar (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 1 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 1 Introduction to Histology, enamel and dentine	Practical (2 hr)
Week 01	CS&CS - Pros Lab 3: Construct mandibular edentulous special trays (muco-compressive). Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Pros seminar 3: Secondary impressions, base plates & occlusal rims. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 4: Class V resin composite cavity prep. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP 4: Evidence Based Practice.	Seminar (1 hr)
	EBP 5: EBP and clinical questions.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 2 Skull 1	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 2: Skull 2 and vertebral column	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 2 Permanent premolars	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 2 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio seminar 1: Introduction to the discipline of Periodontics. Dr Tihana Divnic-Resnik (Zoom link on Canvas)	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio practical 2: SBI, API, PSR.	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 4: The mechanism of action of fluoride & caries prevention via topical fluoride. A/Prof Rahena Akhter.	Seminar (1 hr)
	Cariology Seminar 5: The caries lesion and caries dynamics. A/Prof Rahena Akhter (pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 2 Tooth drawing workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	CS&CS - Pros Lab 4: Construct maxillary occlusal rim for complete denture. Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Pros seminar 4: Adjusting rims & recording MMR. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons seminar 5: Cavity Design: Class I. Prof Vesna Miletic	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 5: Class I resin composite cavity prep - direct vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 2. Learning how to learn.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	EBP 3: Introduction to research articles and quality evaluation of research (critical appraisal).	Tutorial (2 hr)
	IPT: Introductory Interprofessional Learning workshop - faculty wide. Dr Phillip Burke	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 2 Object-based learning session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 3 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 3 Acquisition of oral flora and dental plaque collection	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 3 Taste and smell	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Nutrition Workshop 3: Diet and Dental caries. Dr Nikki Barrett	Workshop (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 6: The caries management system 1. A/Prof Rahena Akhter	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 03	CS&CS - Pros Lab 5: Construct mandibular occlusal rim for complete denture. Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Pros seminar 5: Articulators & facebows. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons seminar 6: Cavity design: Class II. Prof Vesna Miletic	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 6: Class I resin composite cavity prep - indirect vision, premolar. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	OSB: Module 3 Oral bacteria characterisation, metabolism, and fermentable carbohydrates	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 3 Dental caries	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 3 Permanent molars	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 3 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	Nutrition Workshop 4: Dietary role in the cause of hypersensitivity. Dr Nikki Barrett	Workshop (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio seminar 2: Healthy periodontal tissues. Anatomy of the periodontium.Dr Divnic-Resnik (Zoom on Canvas)	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio practical 3: Introduction to sickle scalers - anterior teeth.	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 7: The caries management system 2. A/Prof Rahena Akhter	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology seminar 8: The caries management system 3. A/Prof Rahena Akhter	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 04	CS&CS - Pros seminar 6: Centric relation records & selecting teeth. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 7: Class I resin composite cavity prep - indirect vision, molar. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 8: Class II resin composite cavity prep - direct vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 3. Narrative dentistry.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	EBP 6: Quantitative research methods 1. Pre-recorded.	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 4 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	PHP: Oral health promotion.	Seminar (1 hr)
	SCOH: NCCC cultural competence modules. (complete required online learning modules)	Self-directed learning (5 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio practical 4: Sickle scaler in the posterior dentition.	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP: Quantitative research methods workshop. (2hr class x 3 groups)	Workshop (2 hr)
	Cariology seminar 9: The caries management system 4.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 05	CS&CS - Pros seminar 7: Setting teeth. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 5. Academic writing skills.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 4 Primary teeth	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 4 Pain transduction and pain pathway	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 4 Dentinal hypersensitivity and desensitising	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 4 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	Nutrition 5: Diet and Toothache. Dr Nikki Barrett (Pre-recorded)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	PHP: Canvas Assessment. Dr Arash Ghanbarzadegan	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	Cariology seminar 10: The Caries Management System5, Clinical Cariology 5 Communication skills, toothbrushing coaching skills, diet management, lesions progression and review lesions	Seminar (1 hr)
	Cariology seminar 11: The Caries Management System review, Clinical Cariology, Fluorosis and QA	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 06	CS&CS - Pros Lab 6: Maxillomandibular relations (MMR) and articulate. Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Pros seminar 8: Denture occlusions. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 9: Class II resin composite cavity prep - indirect vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 10: Class II amalgam cavity prep - direct vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP 7: Quantitative research methods 2. Pre-recorded	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	EBP 8: Qualitative research. Pre-recorded	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	EBP 9: Qualitative research. (2hr class x 3 groups)	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 5 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 5 Inflammation	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 5 Object-based learning session	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio practical 5: Full mouth scaling review & sickle scaler sharpening. Mr Andrew Terry	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Clinical records and charting.	Seminar (2 hr)
	DMD 1 - First Learning Clinics - Pre Briefing Session	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	CS&CS - Pros seminar 9: The wax try-in. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 4. Dentists in context Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	EBP 10: Data life cycle.	Seminar (1 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 5 Pulpal and periapical lesions	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 5 Analgesic selection	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morpholgy: Module 5 Root morphology	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 5 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	LCP: Careers in dentistry. Dr Edward Waters	Seminar (2 hr)
	CS&CS - Perio practical 6: Practice 1 (Scaling, SBI, API, PSR, OHI).	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Odontogram. Dr Ying Lee	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 08	CS&CS - Pros seminar 10: The wax try-in 2. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 11: Class II amalgam cavity prep - indirect vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 6 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 6 Histology of gingiva and periodontal tissue	Practical (2 hr)
	Nutrition workshop 6: The role of diet in Periodontal disease.	Workshop (1 hr)
	OSB Module 6: Bridging tutorial: OSB and Clinical Sciences	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	CS&CS - Pros seminar 11: Denture flasking, packing & processing denture acrylics. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 12: Class II MOD amalgam cavity prep - direct vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP 11: Critical appraisal of qualitative research.	Seminar (1 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 6 Antibiotic resistance	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 6 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 7 Histology of oral epithelial tissue and oral musoca	Practical (2 hr)
	Nutrition Workshop 7: Diet and Ulcers. Dr Nikki Barrett	Workshop (1 hr)
	LCP: Professional practice workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
	Perio SIM 7: Practice 2: Scaling/SBI/API/PSR & OHI, peer on peer	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS - Cariology clinic demonstration. Pre-recorded	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Taking a patient history.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	CS&CS - Pros seminar 12: Denture inserting & troubleshooting. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 13: Class II MOD composite cavity prep - direct vision. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	CS&CS: Tooth cons practical 14: Catch up session. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP 12: Critical appraisal of qualitative research - (2hr class x 3 groups)	Workshop (2 hr)
	EBP 13: Critical appraisal of quantitative research.	Seminar (1 hr)
	EBP 14: Critical appraisal of quantitative research. (2hr class x 3 groups)	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 6 Osseointegration	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 7 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 6: Cultural Competence debrief.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	CS&CS - Pros seminar 13: Denture relining, tooth repairs & tissue conditioners. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	OSB: Module 7 Mucosal immunology, antibodies and clinical application	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 7 Oral mucosal infections	Practical (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 7 Identify and describe lesions	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 7 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	Nutrition: Review session. Dr Nikki Barrett	Workshop (1 hr)
	DMD Project: Introduction to DMD Project.	Seminar (1 hr)
	Pros Lab 7: Maxillomandibular relation and articulate (2). Mr Robert Underdown	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	CS&CS - Pros seminar 14: Complete dentures review. Dr Geoffrey Borlase	Seminar (1 hr)
	LCP: Skills studio 7. Principles of teaching & feedback.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	EBP: Integrated curriculum assignment presentations.	Tutorial (9 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 8 Self-directed learning	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	CS&CS DMD1 Perio SIM assessment	Practical (3 hr)
	Exam information session. Dr Maria Tran (Zoom link via Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	CS&CS - Tooth cons practical 15: pre-clinical tooth conservation practical assessment. Dr Elvis Trinh	Practical (3 hr)
	LCP: Communications Workshop 1 with Kristy Choi	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 8 Infection control regulations and sterilisation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 8 Antimicrobials	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 8 Sexually transmitted diseases and oral health	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 8 Self-assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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 2020. This includes all tutorials, seminars, workshops as well as 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 2022 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 24 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 480-600 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 application of the principle of health as a fundamental human right to oral health and describe the FDI definition of oral health. Define health, disability, illness
LO2. Examine careers in dentistry and personal journeys into a healthcare career
LO3. Engage in reflection on key issues in oral healthcare provision, including access to services; disparities in healthcare infrastructure; and, the oral healthcare workforce.
LO4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how the concept of the social contract as a framework for professionalism in dentistry applies to the practice of students and qualified practitioners
LO5. Examine key issues in ethical practice, such as management of conflict of interest, commercialism and self-regulation.
LO6. Engage in narrative techniques to explore the meaning of patient-centred care as it relates to clinical practice and patient safety
LO7. Critically explain the impact of oral health problems on individuals and their families
LO8. Describe the structure and function of the oral and maxillofacial regions and explain the clinical significance of normal and anatomical variation
LO9. Communicate biomedical concepts and scientific principles relevant to real-life scenarios
LO10. Describe oral conditions such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth loss and from several perspectives: socio-cultural, microbiological, pathological, epidemiologic
LO11. Understand quantitative and qualitative research methods used to generate scientific research
LO12. Evaluate and apply the 5-step EBP process to answer a clinical question
LO13. Critically evaluate a peer-reviewed publication to answer a clinical question
LO14. Describe fundamental principles of learning and teaching and demonstrate teaching a topic and a skill, and engaging in feedback conversations with peers
LO15. Demonstrate effective inter-professional behaviours in collaboration and communication with peers and colleagues and in providing and receiving constructive feedback
LO16. Describe the principles of infection prevention and infection control and demonstrate its application in clinical and simulated clinical settings
LO17. Assist with provision of dental care for patients in various clinical settings
LO18. Acquire and acknowledge the cultures, experiences, strengths and health needs of indigenous individuals and communities to provide health care in a holistic manner
LO19. Demonstrate competent technical and decision-making skills in cavity design and restoration placement using direct restorative materials in simple cavities
LO20. Evaluate and manage an edentulous patient with removable prosthesis and complete the prescribed technical steps involved in constructing a complete dental prosthesis
LO21. Have a holistic understanding of the biological and sociocultural basis of nutrition
LO22. Developing competence in assessment, examination and diagnosis of dental carious lesions and gain experience in implementing caries management system CMS).
LO23. Developing competence in diagnosing early carious lesions using ICDAS criteria and using DIAGNOdent tool.
LO24. Developing competence in Risk management such as Case presentation, Informed consent, behaviour management and oral hygiene coaching.

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.

This unit was offered for the first time in 2023. In 2024, lectures are introduced to compliment the removable prosthodontics laboratory teaching. The cariology and periodontics content has been introduced earlier to familiarise students with the two prevalent diseases in dentistry.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

You need to complete the clearance checks to attend classes in NSWHealth facilities, eg Sydney Dental Hospital (SDH), including Police check, working with children check, vaccination requirements, BBV declaration

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

SDDM5115: Introduction to Dentistry

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, 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