HS733-5-PT-CO:
Special Needs

The details
2024/25
Health and Social Care (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring Special
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 06 January 2025
Friday 28 March 2025
30
05 August 2024

 

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

 

(none)

Key module for

FDSCB750CO Oral Health Science

Module description

This module introduces the students to groups in society who have special dental needs. Promoting access to effective and timely dental care of these groups of individuals is critical in addressing inequality in oral health. The role of the hygienist is explored in both prevention and treatment of these client groups.

Module aims

To highlight groups in society who have special dental health needs.

To stimulate an interest in the promotion of equality and address inequality in oral health.

To heighten awareness of inequality in oral health and access issues for specific groups in society.

To relate public directives to practice.

To develop the skills and attitude necessary to meet the needs of these client groups.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Define the term ‘special needs’ in the context of dental care and list the groups with special needs.

2. Demonstrate understanding of the special dental needs of children with disabilities and have experience in the recognition of developmental dental abnormalities.

3. Discuss the dental health issues of people with learning disabilities and the measures introduced to improve dental access.

4. Identify the common factors that give rise to poor dental health among people with mental health problems, and explore the role of DCPs in the promotion of better oral health for this client group.

5. List the actual and potential risks for patients who have a bleeding disorder who are undergoing dental treatment.

6. Discuss the types of cardiovascular conditions where dental treatment poses a potential risk.

7. Outline the measures to be taken to safeguard patient safety in the above situations.

8. Demonstrate understanding of the principles or problems in the provision of domiciliary care and the role of the dental hygienist within this environment.

9. Lists the common factors which are associated with poor oral health of people who are immunocompromised.

10. Identify the oral health problems of the aforementioned groups and the older people.


11. Demonstrate understanding of the management and treatment of patients with physical or learning disabilities, patients with mental health problems, the old and frail person, medically compromised patients and terminally ill patients, and assist in the care of such patients.

12. Recognising the contribution of other team members and health care professionals in the care of these client groups, discuss treatment and interact with other health care professionals and members of the team.

13. Demonstrate awareness of the attitudes and behaviours of the dental team and other healthcare professionals that may influence the dental health and well-being of these groups.

14. Provide intermediate life support until help arrive.

15. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of implant therapy and, working within a team context, undertake implant maintenance.

Module information

This module is part of the required programme for FdSc Oral Health Science.
This module introduces the students to groups in society who have special dental needs. Promoting access to effective and timely dental care of these groups of individuals is critical in addressing inequality in oral health. The role of the hygienist is explored in both prevention and treatment of these client groups.

The module consists of taught sessions by clinical experts in the field of oral health science and dental hygiene covering theoretical teaching in special needs dentistry. It also includes some demonstration and teaching of clinical skills using simulation and learning from clinical work based placement undertaking clinical competencies on patients under supervision.

Learning and teaching methods

The module will combine a number of different teaching approaches. Lectures will introduce key concepts and this will be developed by the students via the use of both group discussions, sharing of personal experiences and guided learning. The students will also have a practical session relating to BLS, medical emergencies and delivering treatment to patient's with special needs delivered by experienced health practitioners. In placement they will have further opportunities to develop the skills of working with various special needs groups, using antimicrobials and continue to develop all the skills needed for a dental hygienist. Tutorials with the teaching team are also readily available.

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
Coursework   CASE STUDY    40% 
Practical   OSCE    30% 
Practical   Case Presentation    30% 

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 Lizabeth Halsey, email: ljhals@essex.ac.uk.
Oral Health Team
Charlotte Fairminer E: hhsohlth@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Ms Emily Banks
Cardiff University
Lecturer in Dental Hygiene and Therapy
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 184 hours, 130 (70.7%) hours available to students:
14 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
40 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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