In this module students will be working in the Clinical Skills Suite (on phantom heads) based at the School of Dentistry.
The module builds on student experience gained in Year 1 and the first semester of Year 2. Students attend Conservative Dentistry Clinical and Technical Skills simulation teaching for an average of 7hrs/week for 25 weeks, Prosthetic Dentistry and Clinical and Technical skills simulation teaching for an average of 3.5hrs/week for 25 weeks. Periodontology simulation is also used to prepare students to care for patients. The aim is for the students to develop their clinical skills and learn to recognise, assess and manage clinical problems presented in a controlled environment.
Additionally, the module integrates specific and relevant theoretical aspects of dental materials science, chemistry and physics that underpin their successful use in practice. Complimentary materials science sessions are timetabled alongside relevant clinical specialties where the knowledge is principally required in the early stages of the clinical course, providing students the opportunity to put theory to practise.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
• Design and manufacture biomechanically sound partial and complete removable prosthodontic restorations • Communicate information about design of removable prosthodontic restorations to their peers and technicians at a novice / learner level • Identify and select appropriate treatment for the restoration of anterior and posterior teeth in a simulated setting • Identify, select and use appropriate dental materials to restore prepared teeth in a simulated setting • Prepare tooth substructure in an appropriate way, maintaining maximum integrity of tooth while optimising strength and longevity of replacement structure. • Recognise the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials and evaluate their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry • Understand the principles of minimal intervention • Manage restorative procedures that preserve tooth structure, replace missing or defective tooth structure, maintain function, are aesthetic and long lasting, and promote soft and hard tissue health in a simulated setting • Have a basic understanding of the risks of non-surgical root canal treatment and how to manage them • Demonstrate a developing understanding of materials science relevant to specific clinical materials and formulate opinions on a range of dental materials, their use and structure. • Understand the basic nature and properties of ceramics, metals and polymers • Assess the key characteristics and structure-property relationships of the principal types of dental materials in current clinical use • Identify how clinical failures of dental materials can relate to the inappropriate application, preparation or choice of material(s) • Sit and operate in an appropriate position (good posture) with a supine patient being able to select suitable hand and rotating instruments for intra oral examination and cavity preparation and restoration. • Work in a tidy and methodical manner commensurate with clinical behaviour. • Show a developing ability to diagnose and describe carious lesions. • Place fissure sealant and carry out preventive-resin restorations in a simulated setting • Understand the principals of cavity preparation • Prepare and restore teeth for direct restorations in Composite, Glass Ionomer and Amalgam • Use rubber dam • Show a developing ability to diagnose non-carious tooth surface loss (TSL) and determine its aetiology.
This is a continuous sessional assessment by clinicians on each student’s progress as they undertake simulated procedures. This is noted, collated and reported to Progress Meetings each term and an end of year Progress Board.
Simulated Competence Tests:
In addition, there are competence tests which must be passed before a student can be considered to progress into the next year and be allowed to undertake treatment on patients. (Unlimited attempts except Class II)
These include:
Conservative Dentistry Crown prepare simulation RCT Prosthetics Denture Design Periodontology OHI Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal Root Surface Debridement
Students who fail the continuous assessment component of this module will undertake a period of remedial teaching followed by reassessment in the same way as listed above.
Students who have failed the written examination will be given the opportunity to resit the examination.