UWA Handbook 2027

Unit Overview

Description

This is the second part of the third-year theory unit in Prosthodontics for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry course. Parts 1 and 2 must be completed to fulfil the requirements of the unit. The unit is a continuation of the first- and second-year Prosthodontics Theory I and Prosthodontics Theory II units.

The unit provides the theoretical foundation of the clinical practice of prosthodontics including diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, oral and maxillofacial rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral functions (mastication and phonetics), patient related quality of life, dento-facial aesthetics, and health of patients with prosthodontic needs. The third-year theory units advance the students' knowledge and comprehension of the advanced theoretical aspects of prosthodontics, to a level which is commensurate with the level to be expected for a specialist prosthodontist.

This unit within the DCD program in prosthodontics will encompass the following areas of knowledge:

• prosthodontic assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, including the endodontic, orthodontic and periodontic interfaces
• classical and contemporary literature in the fields of prosthodontics and oral implantology
• the principles involved in the design and laboratory manufacturing of prostheses for the restoration and/or replacement of oral and maxillofacial structures
• contemporary tooth replacement with removable, fixed and implant prostheses
• fundamentals of oral tissue regeneration, tissue biology and the surgical aspects of implant prosthodontics
• maxillofacial prosthodontics
• dental material science and applications in prosthodontics and oral implantology
• the principles of occlusion and occlusal rehabilitation
• the principles of phonetics and speech pathology related to prosthodontics
• the management and treatment planning of complex cases with interdisciplinary engagement
• the principles and application of pharmacology in prosthodontic practice and oral implantology
• prosthodontic considerations of airways and sleep disorders, including their relation to oral manifestations of tooth wear and overall patient wellbeing, and
• the basis and management of orofacial pain

Students will advance their theoretical knowledge on the clinical practice of prosthodontics through prescribed readings, seminars, tutorials, discussions and student presentations. Seminars prepared by students are presented to the entire DCD Prosthodontic cohort.

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) evaluate the principles of speech pathology relevant to prosthodontic assessment and rehabilitation.; (6) appraise the basis and management of orofacial pain, synthesising evidence to justify treatment approaches relevant to prosthodontic practice.; (7) analyse the principles involved in the design of prostheses for the replacement of oral and maxillofacial structures.; (8) evaluate the evidence base for removable, fixed, and implant-supported oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics, synthesising principles to justify treatment selection.; (9) analyse the pathophysiology and evaluate evidence-based management principles of sleep disorders relevant to prosthodontic practice; (10) evaluate the properties and application of dental materials relevant to prosthodontic treatment planning and outcomes; and (11) evaluate the principles and application of pharmacology relevant to prosthodontic practice.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessment and (2) seminar presentations. 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 and seminar presentations components.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Adam Hamilton

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

6 points Unit(s) DENT6888 Prosthodontics Theory II (Part 2)
and 6 points Unit(s) DENT6887 Prosthodontics Theory II (Part 1)

Co-requisites

Enrolment in

DENT6894 Prosthodontics Clinical Practice III (Part 2)
and DENT6895 Prosthodontics Research Dissertation

Contact hours

Seminars: 4 hours per week (average)