Outline

Overview

In this unit, students will participate in various learning activities to establish foundational knowledge and skills needed for dental practice. Concepts such as the social and commercial determinants of health and digital health systems are introduced to further facilitate student examination of the professional environment of oral health care. Students gain understanding of strategies for the prevention of oral diseases and health promotion and continue to develop skills with data, formulating research questions and searching for relevant evidence. This unit continues a program of learning in the oral and systemic biosciences. Students continue development of skills and knowledge in tooth restoration and prosthetic construction in simulation and laboratory settings and radiography, periodontics and endodontics are added. Experience in clinical settings fosters engagement with the patient interview and dental examination.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Discipline of Population Oral Health
Credit points	24
Prerequisites ?	SDDM5115
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Biological sciences
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rosemary Golding, rosemary.golding@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Tooth Conservation knowledge assessment Tooth Conservation knowledge assessment	0%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam	Periodontics knowledge assessment Periodontics knowledge assessment	0%	Formal exam period	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written exam	Oral and Systemic Biosciences & Nutrition knowledge assessment Oral and Systemic Biosciences & Nutrition knowledge assessment	0%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical exam	Prosthodontics practical assessment Assessment of prosthodontics practical skills and knowledge	0%	Formal exam period	2.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Population oral health online assessment - continuous Canvas quiz included in each session	0%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflection Portfolio Reflective Tasks, Learning Advisors Meetings, Reflection of Competencies	0%	Multiple weeks	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	EBP continuous assessment Online Canvas Quizzes	0%	Ongoing	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Participation in learning activities As timetabled and rostered. For special cons application for absence	0%	Ongoing	-	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Foundations of Integrated clinical care self assessment Self assessment relating to clinical activities	0%	Progressive	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Periodontics continuous sessional assessment Periodontics continuous sessional assessment	0%	Progressive	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Tooth conservation practical continuous sessional assessment Tooth conservation practical continuous sessional assessment	0%	Progressive	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Prosthodontics lab participation Participate in the prosthodontics lab sessions. complete tasks as required	0%	Progressive	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Radiology practical continuous sessional assessment Radiology practical continuous sessional assessment	0%	Progressive	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	OSB self-assessment Required unsupervised online quizzes scheduled for each module	0%	Progressive	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	OSB experiential learning sessions Participation in experiential learning and success in in-classroom tests	0%	Progressive	-	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Community oral health promotion presentation Oral presentation (5 mins) and discussion (5 mins) during the workshop.	0%	Week 03	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Cultural competence online activities - Aboriginal Sydney MOOC Completion of the MOOC, including the embedded assessments	0%	Week 06	6-8 hours of engagement	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Complete denture case studies Investigate the meanings of Health and Oral health through case studies	0%	Week 06	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Nutrition assessment Dietary analysis and advice assessment	0%	Week 07	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Population oral health online assessment - final Supervised Canvas quiz (40 min) during tutorial	0%	Week 08	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	DMD project showcase 5 minute group presentation: DMD project rationale and background	0%	Week 10	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test	Periodontal in-semester instrumentation exam Periodontal in-semester instrumentation exam	0%	Week 12	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Foundations of Integrated Clinical Care Quiz Foundations of Integrated Clinical Care Quiz	0%	Week 12	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test	Radiography practical assessment Assessment of radiography skills and knowledge	0%	Week 13	3 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Radiology theory quiz Radiology theory quiz	0%	Week 13	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test	Tooth Conservation practical assessment Tooth Conservation practical assessment	0%	Week 13	3 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test	Periodontal in-semester clinical skills exam Periodontal in-semester clinical skills exam	0%	Week 13	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	DMD project background and rationale Provide background and project rationale for your groups' DMD project (800 words)	0%	Week 13	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Further assessment information published on Canvas

Assessment criteria

Assessment in the DMD Program involves a longitudinal program of assessment, attendance, professionalism, Learning Advisor meetings and opportunities for remediation and further assessment.

Assessments will be integrated across the 7 vertical themes:

1. Leadership, communication and professionalisation

2. Prevention and health promotion

3. Clinical sciences and clinical skills

4. Evidence based practice

5. Social and cultural oral health

6. Oral and systemic biosciences

7. Interprofessional teamwork

Progression information:

The expected standard for each assessment must be met. Attendance at and submission of all assessments is required to be eligible to satisfy the requirements of this Unit of Study. Decisions will be made in reference to the expected standard for each individual assessment and based on a pass of 50% (or as otherwise specified) for knowledge-based assessments and competency levels defined by rubrics for written submissions and skill based clinical assessment.

Progression is determined by the Portfolio Advisory Group at the end of the academic year. The Portfolio Advisory Group will meet at the end of semester one to review student progress 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, if they have not breached the faculty professionalism requirements. In some cases, students may be required to undergo remediation and further assessment, at a time specified by the school, to meet the expected standards for progression.

If further assessment is offered, one assessment will be offered.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Tooth Cons Minimally supervised Tooth Cons Practice Sessions (Optional)	Clinic (2 hr)
Multiple weeks	Clinical placement check Canvas for roster	Clinic (9 hr)
Week -01	Tooth Conservation: Dental Adhesives	Seminar (1 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Resin Composites	Seminar (1 hr)
	Radio SIM Practical 3 & 4	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radiology: Periapicals (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Radiology: Bitewings and occlusal radiographs	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 10 Self-directed learning (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 10: Infective endocarditis, oral microbes and antibiotic prophylaxis	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 10 Traits of anterior teeth	Tutorial (2 hr)
	PHP: Early childhood oral health (Zoom link on Canvas).	Seminar (1 hr)
	PHP Nutrition and cardiovascular disease (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Workshop (1 hr)
Week -02	Tooth Cons SIM 3	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 4	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Matrix systems	Seminar (1 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Dental amalgam	Seminar (1 hr)
	Radio SIM Practical 1 & 2	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radiology: Radiographic techniques. (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Radiology: Radiographic anatomy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Radiology: Radiographic anatomy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 9 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 9 Asthma and opportunistic infections	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 9 Prosection Thorax 1 - Mediastinum and lungs	Practical (2 hr)
	PHP Nutrition: Nutrition, the lungs and Hypersensitivity (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Workshop (1 hr)
	Pros Lab 7: Maxillomandibular relation and articulate part 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week -03	Introduction to SDDM5125	Seminar (1 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 1	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 2	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Introduction to dental restorative materials	Seminar (1 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Glass Ionomer cements	Seminar (1 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Cavity Design: Class III and IV	Seminar (1 hr)
	Radiology: Introduction to DMFR and production of x-rays	Lecture (1 hr)
	Radiology: The radiographic image (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 9 Self-directed learning (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 9: Document patient's medication	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 9 Thorax	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 9 Teeth in dentition	Tutorial (2 hr)
	DMD project: Database and literature search	Workshop (2 hr)
	Pros Lab 8: Setting teeth for complete denture	Practical (3 hr)
	Pros Lab 9: Setting teeth for complete denture	Practical (3 hr)
	EBP: Introduction to biostatistics: variables and descriptive statistics (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digital dentistry: Module 1: Health Technology in Dentistry (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 01	Tooth Cons SIM 5	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 6	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Conservation: Light Curing (devices and self-protection)	Seminar (1 hr)
	Perio SIM 9	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radio SIM Practical 5 & 6	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radiology: Radiation biology and safety	Lecture (1 hr)
	Radiology: Film faults and quality assurance (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 10 Self- assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 10 CVD and referred pain	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 10 Prosection Thorax 2 - Heart and thoracic wall	Practical (2 hr)
	PHP: Oral health care systems (Zoom link on Canvas)	Seminar (1 hr)
	PHP: Indigenous oral health. Erin Taylor (Zoom link on Canvas).	Seminar (1 hr)
	SCOH: Skills studio 8: Narrative dentistry	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Pros Lab 10: Wax-up and finish	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Tooth Cons SIM 7	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 8	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Perio SIM 10	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radiology: Object localisation techniques	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 11 Self-directed learning (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 13 General examination in dental settings	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 11: Emergency drugs	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 11 Neck	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 11 Traits of premolar teeth	Tutorial (2 hr)
	PHP Setting nutritional goals for our dental patients	Workshop (1 hr)
	LCP: Professional practice workshop #2	Workshop (4 hr)
	EBP: Biostatistics - part 1 (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digital Dentistry: Module 2: Digital Transformation of Health (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 03	Perio SIM 11	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radiology: Caries and periodontal conditions	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 11 Self- assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 9 Smoking and vaping impacts on oral health	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 11 Hypertension	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 11 Dissection Neck 1	Practical (2 hr)
	PHP: Community oral health promotion	Workshop (2.5 hr)
	LCP: Communication workshops: Person centred care and the therapeutic relationship	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	EBP: Biostatistics - part 2 (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Tooth Cons SIM 9	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 10	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 12 (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 12 Traits of molar teeth	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 12 Histopathology descriptors: Abscess and cyst	Practical (2 hr)
	SCOH: Oral health and social hardship #1	Seminar (1 hr)
	SDS Research day	Workshop (9 hr)
Week 05	Tooth Cons SIM 11	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 12	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Perio SIM 12	Clinic (3 hr)
	Periodontics: Why do I get periodontitis? Aetiology of periodontal diseases (Zoom link on Canvas)	Seminar (1.5 hr)
	OSB Self study: Module 12 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 12 Diabetes	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 12 Dissection Neck 2	Practical (2 hr)
	DMD project: Introduction to M1 and M2 Assessments (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	PHP Nutrition and Diabetes Mellitus	Workshop (1 hr)
	SCOH: Oral health and social hardship #2	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	EBP: Biostatistics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Perio SIM 13	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radio SIM Practical 7	Clinic (3 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 13 (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Tooth Morphology: Module 13 Developmental anomalies	Tutorial (2 hr)
	PHP Nutritional aspects of medical emergencies	Workshop (1 hr)
	SCOH: Cultural competence Aboriginal Sydney MOOC	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
	Integrated Clinic: Introduction to Integrated Clinical Care	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	Tooth Cons SIM 13	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 14	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 13 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 13 Vasovagal syncope	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 13 Dissection Neck 3	Practical (2 hr)
	DMD project: Q&A Session 1 (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	SCOH: Oral health and social hardship #3. Structured reflection and debrief	Workshop (1.5 hr)
	EBP: Individualising to the patient (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endodontics Lecture 1: Pulp Biology (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Tooth Cons SIM 15	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 16	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Perio SIM 14	Clinic (3 hr)
	Periodontics: Diseased periodontal tissues. Pathogenesis of periodontal diseases (Zoom link on Canvas).	Seminar (1.5 hr)
	Radiology: RPA criteria (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 14 (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 11 Basic physical examination procedures and interpretation	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 14 Face and parotid	Lecture (1 hr)
	PHP: Population Oral Health final Assessment	Assessment (2 hr)
	PHP Nutrition and bleeding (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	SCOH: Skills studio 9: Debrief Cultural competence MOOC	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	LCP: Healthcare and sustainability	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endodontics Lecture 2: Introduction to endodontic terminology and techniques (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Perio SIM 15	Clinic (3 hr)
	Simulation of Radiology Practical Assessment	Clinic (3 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 14 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 14: Drugs affecting haemostasis	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 14 Haemostasis	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 14 Dissection Face and parotid 1	Practical (2 hr)
	Pros Lab 11: Catch-up 1	Practical (3 hr)
	Pros Lab 12: Catch-up 2	Practical (3 hr)
	Endodontics Lecture 3: Endodontic microbiology (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Tooth Cons SIM 17	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 18	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 15 Self-directed learning (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 15 Histology of salivary glands	Practical (2 hr)
	DMD project: Oral Presentations showcase (M1 assessment)	Seminar (7.5 hr)
	Endodontics Lecture 3: Endodontic microbiology (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endodontics Lecture 5: Pulp and peri-apical testing (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digital Dentistry: Digital Transformation of Health	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	Tooth Cons SIM 19	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Tooth Cons SIM 20	Clinic (3.5 hr)
	Perio SIM 16	Clinic (3 hr)
	Radiology: RTQ review and clinical case discussion (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Radiology: Radiology theory quiz	Assessment (1 hr)
	Radiology: Mock exam feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 15 Self-assessment	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 15: Adverse effects (MRONJ) and steroids	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 15 Autoimmune disease	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 15 Dissection Face and parotid 2	Practical (2 hr)
	PHP Nutrition and Autoimmune Disease	Workshop (1 hr)
	LCP: Patient rights, safety, and quality in healthcare	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endodontics Lecture 6: Pulp and peri-apical diagnoses (case discussions) (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Perio In-Semester Instrumentation Exam	Clinic (8.5 hr)
	Radiology Practical Assessment	Clinic (3 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 16 Self-directed learning (Pre-recorded on Canvas)	Placement (2 hr)
	OSB Pharmacotherapeutics: Module 16: Drug interactions and polypharmacy	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB: Module 16 Tooth wear: erosion, abrasion, attrition and abfraction	Workshop (2 hr)
	OSB Histopathology: Module 16 Non-neoplastic salivary disorders	Practical (2 hr)
	DMD project: Q&A Session 2 (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
	PHP Nutrition: Aspects of Module 16	Seminar (1 hr)
	SDDM5125 Exam information session (Zoom link on Canvas)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Summative pre-clinical tooth conservation practical assessment (SCCA)	Clinic (3 hr)
	Periodontics: Introduction to DMD1 perio-theory exam (Zoom link on Canvas).	Seminar (0.5 hr)
	OSB Self-study: Module 16 Self-assessment	Placement (2 hr)
	OSB IBICL: Module 16 GI disease	Tutorial (2 hr)
	OSB Anatomy: Module 16 Dissection Face and parotid 3	Practical (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.

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

LO1. Explore and reflect upon the social determinants of health and their relationship to oral health
LO2. Describe and apply key concepts of prevention in dentistry, such as the common risk approach and community-level health promotion strategies
LO3. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of water fluoridation as a population-level preventive intervention for dental caries
LO4. Critically appraise how preventive strategies in dentistry apply in private practice through engagement with the wider dental community
LO5. Conceptualise how cultural competency applies to oral health and the impacts of structural inequality upon health outcomes.
LO6. Demonstrate key aspects of effective interpersonal communication for healthcare
LO7. Critically explain the impact of oral health problems on individuals and their families with focus on vulnerable and disadvantaged populations for example children, elderly and people with cognitive or other disability
LO8. Describe the structure and function of the oral and maxillofacial regions and explain the clinical significance of normal and anatomical variation
LO9. Integrate knowledge in oral and systemic biosciences to explain the clinical features and pathophysiological mechanisms of common systemic diseases and related oral manifestations
LO10. Communicate biomedical concepts and scientific principles relevant to real-life scenarios
LO11. Apply knowledge and skills in bioscience to deliver safe and person-centred care, including comprehensive clinical information gathering and interpretation, confident management of medical emergencies, and rational prescribing Dental Schedule medicines
LO12. Demonstrate scientific inquiry skills, apply biomedical and health data science, and collaborate and communicate effectively to seek solutions for improved oral health care outcomes
LO13. Describe the foundational concepts in materials science
LO14. Critically evaluate a peer-reviewed publication to answer a clinical question
LO15. Apply the knowledge and skills in research methodology to conduct the proposed project and disseminate the generated knowledge in the form of a written report.
LO16. Develop and demonstrate professionalism through participating and learning in anatomy dissection room
LO17. Acquire and acknowledge the cultures, experiences, strengths and health needs of indigenous individuals and communities to provide health care in a holistic manner
LO18. Describe the caries causation and prevention, clinical and radiographic characteristics of dental carious lesions
LO19. Explain characteristics of periodontal diseases. Perform screening process, basic diagnostic and therapy of periodontal diseases in simulated and clinical settings
LO20. Demonstrate disciplinary knowledge in tooth conservation and technical skills in more complex cavity design and restorations using direct restorative materials.
LO21. Describe and apply the basics involved in conducting a dental clinical examination and documenting this (including odontogram) following required procedures and protocols
LO22. Demonstrate effective radiographic technique with intraoral radiographs. Identify radiographic anatomy on radiographic images
LO23. Complete the prescribed technical steps involved in constructing a complete maxillary acrylic dental prosthesis and a partial mandibular acrylic dental prosthesis case, and describe the steps involved in construction of acrylic and cobalt chrome prostheses
LO24. Demonstrate nutrition and diet linkages with health and disease
LO25. Describe and Demonstrate foundation disciplinary knowledge in Endodontics.
LO26. Participate in discussions around ethics, law and professionalism that will build skills in critical thinking and the application of knowledge on ethical and legal principles to the context of dentistry and oral health
LO27. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of digital health technologies in dentistry, including tele dentistry and digital dentistry, electronic health records, and patient-facing technologies. Articulate the legal and ethical aspects and the professional implications of digital technologies in dental healthcare.

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

Professional competencies of the newly qualified dentist -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Professionalism (covers personal values, attitudes and behaviours) - On graduation a dental practitioner must be able to:
1.1		demonstrate that patient safety is paramount in all decisions and actions
1.2		demonstrate appropriate caring behaviour towards patients and respect professional boundaries between themselves and patients, patient’s families and members of the community
1.3		demonstrate that all interactions focus on the patient’s best interests and provide patient-centred care, respect patients’ dignity, rights and choices
1.9		provide culturally safe and culturally competent practice that includes recognition of the distinct needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to oral health care provision
2		Communication and Leadership (covers the ability to work cooperatively and to communicate effectively) - On graduation a dental practitioner must be able to:
2.1		communicate and engage with patients, patient’s families and communities in relation to oral health
2.2		present clear information in a timely manner that ensures patients are advised of and understand care and treatment options to be provided
2.3		communicate with other health professionals involved in patients’ care
3		Critical Thinking (covers the acquisition and application of knowledge) - On graduation a dental practitioner must be able to:
3.1		locate and evaluate evidence in a critical and scientific manner to support oral health care
3.2		apply clinical reasoning and judgement in a reflective practice approach to oral health care
3.3		understand scientific method and the role of research in advancing knowledge and clinical practice
4		Health Promotion (covers health education and the promotion of health in the community) - On graduation a dentist must be able to:
4.1		understand the determinants of health, risk factors and behaviours that influence health
4.2		understand the theories and principles of health promotion
4.3		understand health promotion strategies to promote oral and general health
4.4		understand the design, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based health promotion
5		Scientific and Clinical Knowledge (covers the underlying knowledge base required by dental practitioners) - On graduation a dentist must be able to:
5.1		understand the biomedical, physical and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease
5.3		understand the scientific principles and application of infection prevention and control
5.4		understand the scientific basis, application and risks of using ionising radiation
5.5		understand the scientific basis, application, limitations and risks of using dental materials
5.6		understand the principles of pharmacology, the risks and limitations in using therapeutic agents and the implication of the Prescribing Competencies Framework on dental practice
6		Patient Care
6.1		Clinical Information Gathering (covers the collection and recording of information that is necessary and relevant) - On graduation a dentist must be able to:
6.1.1		obtain and record a relevant history of the patient’s medical, social and oral health status
6.1.2		perform an examination for health, disease and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures
6.1.3		select necessary clinical, pathology and other diagnostic procedures and interpret results
6.1.4		take radiographs relevant to dental practice
6.1.5		evaluate individual patient risk factors for oral disease
6.1.6		maintain accurate, consistent, legible and contemporaneous records of patient management and protect patient privacy
6.2		Diagnosis and Management Planning (covers the identification of disease or abnormalities that require treatment or investigation) - On graduation a dentist must be able to:
6.2.1		recognise health as it relates to the individual
6.2.2		diagnose disease or abnormalities of the dentition, mouth and associated structures and identify conditions which require management
6.2.3		determine the impact of risk factors, systemic disease and medications on oral health and treatment planning
6.2.4		formulate and record a comprehensive, patient-centred, evidence-based oral health treatment plan
6.2.6		obtain and record patient informed consent and financial consent for treatment
6.3		Clinical Treatment and Evaluation (covers the provision of evidencebased patient-centred care) - On graduation a dentist must be able to:
6.3.4		manage surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the periodontium and supporting tissues of the teeth or their replacements
6.3.6		manage the loss of tooth structure by restoring the dentition with direct and indirect restorations
6.3.7		utilise patient removable prostheses to rehabilitate, restore appearance and function, prevent injury and stabilise the occlusion
6.3.8		utilise fixed prostheses to rehabilitate, restore appearance and function and stabilise the occlusion

Responding to student feedback

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

In response to student feedback: - Additional prosthodontics lab sessions have been added to the curriculum - Minimally supervised Tooth Conservation simulation sessions have been added to the curriculum

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.

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Overview

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Assessment

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Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

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Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

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Responding to student feedback

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SDDM5125: Foundations of Dentistry 1

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Surry Hills, 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links