Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Dental Biomaterials
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Dentistry
Module Code	02 29556
Module Lead	Prof. Will Palin, Mohammed Hadis, Dr Josette Camilleri
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-15 hours Tutorial-1 hours Practical Classes and workshops-30 hours Guided independent study-154 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The module aims to introduce the nature and characteristics of the principle dental biomaterials involved in oral & maxillofacial surgery and fixed and removable prosthodontics. After outlining the primary cause of tooth and alveolar ridge loss the role of biomaterials, such as impression materials and plasters in the process of treatment planning, is covered highlighting the key material characteristics required. The material design requirements for the biomaterial used in each treatment option are identified and compared to current biomaterials in clinical use in the area. Approaches to the restoration of functioning dentition using metal and ceramic crowns are then introduced and the factors influencing the clinical performance of these approaches reviewed. The module then goes on to introduce the chemistry, properties and setting characteristics of the key dental restorative materials, including amalgam, glass ionomers, composites, dental porcelains and light setting composites. The practical impact of these factors on the clinical application of these biomaterials is demonstrated through a phantom head course where students prepare cavities in teeth mounted in phantom heads. Through lectures and tutorials, linked to the laboratory course, the practical factors limiting the use of these materials is considered. To address FrED, the phantom head practical sessions will be delivered as demonstrations (the summative MCQs remain the same). Essay topics on areas of emerging dental restorative materials and technologies will replace the unseen MCQ/SAQ exam if this cannot be held on campus.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Discuss the role of impression materials and plaster in treatment planning for the edentulous patient. Identify the materials currently used for the construction of dentures and relate the clinical indications for use to the materials characteristics. Discuss how the materials characteristics of artificial teeth influence their clinical performance Describe the strengths and weaknesses of biomaterials currently used in oral surgery. Relate the chemistry, setting behaviour and properties of glass ionomer cements, composites amalgam and dental porcelain to their clinical performance. Prepare a simple cavity in a tooth and fill it with a restorative material. Outline the key stages in tooth preparation for cavities for filling with common dental restorative materials. Discuss the practical clinical difficulties associated with the use of common dental restorative materials.
Assessment	29556-01 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%) 29556-02 : Coursework : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Examination : 2h (Centrally Timetabled) - Mixed MCQ and SAQ (50%) Coursework : Coursework (50%) comprising:- Poster (20%) Phantom Head MCQ) (30%) To address FrED, the phantom head practical sessions will be delivered as demonstrations (the summative MCQs remain the same). Essay topics on areas of emerging dental restorative materials and technologies (set on CANVAS) will replace the unseen MCQ/SAQ exam if this cannot be held on campus. Reassessment: The pass mark for the module is 40%. Students who fail to achieve the minimum of 35% in the exam and/or the coursework must repeat the failed component(s). Reassessment will either be a resit (new) exam in the supplementary period or in the case of coursework, a new quiz will have to be taken or a new poster will have to be sat/created and submitted.
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