HS730-4-AU-SO:
Introduction to Oral Health and Disease

The details
2024/25
Health and Social Care (School of)
Southend Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 23 September 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
30
04 September 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

FDSCB750 Oral Health Science

Module description

This module provides the structure for learning about the oral cavity and its associated structures, the dentition, and the development and maintenance of healthy teeth. The factors that lead to pain, discomfort and diseases are explored.

Module aims

To provide an understanding of oral health and common diseases.
To outline the unique blend of medical, biological and social science knowledge base that underpins the practice of DCPs.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the [learner] will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of oral physiology and craniofacial, oral and dental anatomy relevant to dental practice.

• Demonstrate understanding of the development and growth of the face and occlusion, the extent of normal variation in the form and function of both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and face, and particularly the ways in which such variation produces differences in occlusion.

• Demonstrate understanding of the procedures and uses of a clinical examination of the hard and soft tissues, caries status and simple dental indices.

• Assist the operator, using close support techniques as required to control saliva, load and pass instruments, prepare dental materials, and retract the lips, cheeks and tongue, and be able to prepare and maintain the dental surgery before, during and after treatment.

• Outline the aetiology, pathology, progression and presentation of dental caries and periodontal disease.

• Obtain a detailed medical, dental and social history of the patient and interpret a treatment plan.

• Demonstrate an understanding of BLS. Be able to recognise a medical emergency and know their role in the event of this happening and ensure they are sufficiently trained and competent to carry out that role.

• Assist in the provision of preventive, non-operative care as well as the restoration of teeth using techniques of conservative dentistry (including crowns and endodontics), the replacement of teeth by means of prostheses and implants, and the treatment and maintenance of the supporting structures of the teeth by the procedures of periodontology.

• Demonstrate understanding of the science that underpins the dental biomaterials used by the dentist and dental hygienist, and the limitations of such dental materials.

• Be able to Select and manipulate dental biomaterials commonly used by the dentist and dental hygienist, taking appropriate safety precaution regarding those biomaterials.

• Demonstrate understanding of the common oral surgical procedures carried out for patients and to be able to support pre- and post- surgical care; including the dental application of drugs in the control of pain and anxiety, and the administration of local and regional analgesia.

• Begin to appreciate the theory behind the technical skills needed to treat periodontal involved teeth in a laboratory environment.

Module information

This module is a core compulsory module of the FdSc Oral Health Science programme. This module introduces students to biological and social science knowledge base that underpins the practice of DCPs, in particular anatomy of the oral cavity and associated structures, an understanding of common oral diseases, and the development of clinical skills within the dental skills laboratory.

The module consists of taught sessions by clinical experts in the field of oral health science and dental hygiene covering theoretical teaching, demonstration and teaching of clinical skills using simulation and learning from clinical work based placement undertaking clinical competencies on patients under supervision. Teaching is evidence-based and linked to contemporary literature.

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures, classes, practice placements and group work

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Practical   OSCE   10/12/2024  50% 
Written Exam  SAT     50% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Miss Stacey Cook, email: sc16897@essex.ac.uk.
Oral Health team
Lizzie Lewis E: hhsohlth@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 79 hours, 45 (57%) hours available to students:
3 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
31 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

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