Module Directory

This module provides the structure for learning the foundational knowledge and skills to manage plaque related diseases, namely the management of dental caries and non-carious tooth surface loss.

The module allows student dental therapists to use their clinical practice as a focus for their study and consider this environment by focussing their scholarship, research and enquiry on enhancing effective clinical practice. It enables consolidation of the theory with the opportunity to treat a range of individuals with dental caries, periodontal disease and non-carious tooth loss.

The aims of this module are:

• To understand the anatomy, physiology and embryology of the oral cavity in relation to plaque related diseases, namely periodontal disease, dental caries and non-carious tooth surface loss.


• To demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of healthcare delivery for adults in the provision of treatment, working within the General Dental Council’s Scope of Practice guidance document.

By the end of the module, students will be expected to:

1. Employ a balanced, evidence-based argument to justify clinical decisions in relation to periodontal disease, dental caries and non-carious tooth surface loss.


2. Understand the influence of dental, oral, general and craniofacial anatomy on patient management.


3. Describe the aetiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical presentation of dental caries, non-carious tooth surface loss, periodontal disease, other acute oral conditions and how these provide the rationale for preventive strategies in children, adolescents and adult patients, taking into account risk and lifestyle factors.


4. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the principles of management of the different types of carious lesions in the permanent dentition in conjunction with a thorough understanding of cavity design, classification, and pulpal protection, understanding own limitations and referring when appropriate


5. Understand the principles of hard tissue and dental caries removal


6. Obtain and recognise the need for a detailed medical, dental and social history of a patient.


7. Obtain valid consent understanding all of the relevant factors


8. Understand the principles and techniques for assessing pulp vitality, the pulpal response to the deep carious lesion and undertake the management of pulpal exposures in the primary and permanent dentitions within Scope of Practice.


9. Recognise and appreciate the factors that influence the selection of materials for the restoration of teeth.


10. Explain the need for effective recorded maintenance and testing of equipment and requirements for appropriate storage, handling, and use of materials


11. Explain and discuss the underlying concepts, principles, processes and mechanisms of the body and the oral cavity in health and disease.


12. Demonstrate knowledge of human progression from adolescence to old age.


13. Demonstrate knowledge of dental disorders, systemic diseases and psychological conditions which may affect patient management.


14. Demonstrate knowledge of occlusion and how poorly contoured restorations may affect occlusion, considering also temporary restorations and crowns.


15. Interpret radiographs used in the management of oral disease.


16. Have the knowledge to be able to tailor treatment to meet the needs of individual patients with regard to medical, dental and social history, taking into account risk and lifestyle factors, patient values, cultural identity, understanding risks, benefits, indications and contraindications.


17. Be able to formulate a differential diagnosis or diagnoses and from there a definitive diagnosis


18. Understand prognostic indicators and their application.


19. Be able to monitor outcomes of treatment and patient response and provide aftercare and ongoing preventive treatment as appropriate.


20. Understand how the provision of dentistry is affected by medical, social, psychological and demographic factors.

Professional body requirements

In order to meet accreditation requirements students will be required to pass all module assessment components.

Indicative syllabus

• Dental anatomy and physiology
  
  
  
  • Oral biology & tooth morphology
  
  
  • Regional anatomy and physiology linked to patient management
  
  
  
  


• Clinical Practice
  
  
  
  • Principles of preventive care, including substance misuse
  
  
  • Dental Caries
  
  
  • History taking & clinical examinations
  
  
  • Dental radiography
  
  
  • Clinical decision making for caries management
  
  
  • Operative management of dental caries
  
  
  • Periodontal-Restorative interface; the need for a healthy oral environment
  
  
  • Dental materials
  
  
  • Non- carious tooth surface loss
  
  
  • Periodontal Diseases and the peri-implant interface
  
  
  
  


• Medical Histories & systemic conditions


• Oral Therapeutics


• Oral Pathology


• Oral Medicine


• From adolescence to old age
  
  
  
  • Social aspects of aging
  
  
  • Common medical and dental conditions affecting the elderly
  
  
  • Essential aspects of domiciliary care
  
  
  
  


• Individual needs
  
  
  
  • Motivational needs factors
  
  
  • Psychosocial
  
  
  • Self concept and self esteem
  
  
  • Apply the concepts of self-care, motivation and compliance
  
  
  • Understand the role of sociological and psychological factors that contribute to poor oral health
  
  
  
  

This module will be delivered via:

• Lectures (185 hours) Online and classroom-based delivery
• Seminars (9 hours)
• Workshops (6 hours)

Independent study: Regular guided learning tasks will be set for students using the Moodle virtual learning platform.