UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

This unit in Periodontics, offered in Semester 1 of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program, provides the foundation for advanced study and must be followed by DENT6838 in Semester 2. The unit requires students to integrate and apply advanced knowledge of periodontal biology and pathology to clinical contexts; and to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific and clinical evidence to inform diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning.

Students will critically appraise the microbiological, immunological, and systemic factors influencing periodontal health and disease; evaluate behavioural and pharmacological risk factors; and formulate evidence-based strategies for prevention and non-surgical management. Emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary role of periodontics, requiring students to differentiate and apply knowledge across dental specialties in order to design comprehensive treatment approaches.

Teaching Methods:

Teaching and learning will be delivered through prescribed readings, seminars, tutorials, group discussions, and student presentations.

Assessment:

This unit is part of a two-semester continuous assessment framework with summative assessments conducted at the end of the academic year.

Assessment is designed to support student learning and evaluate both academic and clinical competencies. It includes active participation in seminars, engagement with presentations from staff and peers, and delivery of student-led assignments, such as written essays, presentations, case discussions, and critical literature review sessions. These activities are expected to demonstrate originality, critical thinking, and the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.

Additional methods used to monitor student progression include; Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS), Case-based Discussion (CbD), and the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX). While primarily clinical in focus, these tools provide valuable feedback on theoretical understanding and clinical reasoning.

Assessments at the end of the academic year in DENT6838, Semester 2, comprise of both Written Exams, Oral and Applied Assessments.

Professional Behaviour Requirements:

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	Oral Health Care Centre of WA (OHCWA)	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) integrate and apply advanced knowledge of the anatomy, histology, and physiology of the oral cavity and related structures to inform diagnosis and treatment planning; (2) analyse and interpret infectious, inflammatory, and immunological processes in oral diseases, with emphasis on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, and apply these insights to clinical decision-making.; (3) classify, differentiate, and critically appraise the epidemiology of periodontal diseases; evaluate and interpret imaging techniques to support accurate diagnosis and case assessment.; (4) differentiate and synthesize the inter-relationship between periodontitis and pulpal disease, and formulate comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to complex clinical scenarios.; (5) critically evaluate oral microbiology with emphasis on plaque biofilm and its relationship to periodontal disease; appraise and apply microbial identification techniques in practice; and synthesize this knowledge to explain calculus formation and its clinical implications.; (6) assess and prioritise behavioural risk factors for periodontal diseases (including tobacco, alcohol, and diet); design and implement strategies for risk modification; and demonstrate mastery of non-surgical periodontal therapy.; and (7) Critically appraise and integrate knowledge of medications relevant to periodontal and systemic disease management; evaluate their interactions and implications for care; and formulate evidence-based strategies that address periodontal–systemic interrelationships..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written exam; (2) oral and applied assessment; and (3) professional behaviour. 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 exam, oral and applied assessment, and professional behaviour 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).