Unit Code: DNT602

Unit Name: Conservative Dentistry

Description: The purpose of this course is to emphasize primary and secondary prevention procedures as essential in saving the tooth. Students develop critical thinking skills in clinical reasoning, including clinical assessment of the diseased tooth, selection of diagnostic tests for confirmation, decision-making and treatment planning. Performance skills are also developed as students undergo pre-clinical operative exercises, a major component of course delivery that occupies at least two hours a week of student time. This course aims to provide students with: • essential background theoretical knowledge for effective practice of conservative dentistry • development of clinical skills and techniques in restoring teeth to full function and aesthetics in supervised simulation clinics • skill development in planning restorative and preventative treatment plans • skills to critically appraise literature for applicability and relevance to the practice of conservative dentistry • encouragement in seeking modern concepts of conservative dentistry for integration into dental services and practice for individuals and communities.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain the classification, identification and pathogenesis of dental caries 2. Describe the clinical diagnoses of pulpal and periapical disease 3. Develop an appropriate treatment plan for the management of dental caries 4. Demonstrate applicable treatment procedure in the management of dental caries 5. Demonstrate appropriate treatment for aesthetic problems. 6. Discuss the periodontal considerations in conservative dentistry. 7. Discuss and demonstrate the key principles of Minimal Intervention Dentistry. 8. Discuss the importance of occlusion in conservative dentistry. 9. Outline and discuss the criteria for repair or replacement of defective restoration. 10. Review the characteristics and use of restorative dental materials.

Prerequisite: Passed all Level 5 courses in Year 1

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1,2