UWA Handbook 2027

Unit Overview

Description

This unit in Periodontics, offered in Semester 1 of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program lays the groundwork for advanced studies in DENT6838 during Semester 2. Students are expected to integrate and apply advanced knowledge of periodontal biology and pathology within clinical settings; as well as analyse, evaluate, and synthesise scientific and clinical evidence to guide diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning.

Students will critically assess the microbiological, immunological, and systemic factors that affect periodontal health and disease; evaluate both behavioural and pharmacological risk factors; and develop evidence-based strategies for prevention and non-surgical management. There is a strong emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of periodontics, requiring students to apply knowledge across various dental specialties to create comprehensive treatment plans.

Teaching Methods:

Teaching and learning are facilitated through assigned readings, seminars, tutorials, group discussions, and student presentations.

To ensure successful unit completion, students must demonstrate consistent professional, ethical and respectful behaviour, in accordance with the DCD Student Handbook and the Dental Board of Australia Code of Conduct. This includes maintaining attendance and punctuality, engaging in effective communication, demonstrating accountability, and being responsive to feedback.

Meeting these expectations is a mandatory requirement for successful unit completion.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) critically evaluate scientific research, literature, products, and techniques to synthesise evidence and inform specialist dental practice.; (2) analyse the biological, medical, and psychosocial sciences underpinning specialist dental practice, including the development, anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck; (3) synthesise complex clinical information to develop and justify evidence-based management and treatment plans for complex and medically compromised patients, including those requiring multidisciplinary engagement; (4) critically appraise and evaluate research principles and methods relevant to specialist dental practice, demonstrating the capacity to contribute to the advancement of the specialty.; (5) analyse the biology of wound healing in relation to periodontal and bone defect repair and regeneration.; (6) analyse the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and evaluate evidence-based management of periodontal diseases and conditions, including peri-implant disease; (7) evaluate the principles and indications for periodontal, mucogingival, and implant surgery.; and (8) evaluate the principles and application of pharmacology relevant to periodontic practice..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessment; (2) oral viva; and (3) critical Appraisal of Scientific article. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the written assessment, oral viva, and critical Appraisal of Scientific article components.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr. Pradeep Koppolu

Unit rules

Co-requisites

Enrolment in

6 points Unit(s) DENT5603 Dental Research Methodology
and 6 points Unit(s) DENT6843 Periodontics Clinical Practice I Part 1
and 6 points Unit(s) PUBH4401 Biostatistics I

Contact hours

Seminars: 3 hours per week for 4-5 weeks

Note

Students are required to be registered with the Dental Board of Australia for the duration of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (90840).