UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

The research dissertation units (Parts 1 to 5) extend over the duration of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry course. The research and dissertation foster the development of research skills in one of the areas (Endodontics, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics or Prosthodontics) while under supervision. They provide students with experience and practice in defining a clear research question, preparing a formal research proposal, conducting a review of a body of scientific literature and formal writing at a professional level. Students are encouraged to undertake a research project that is suitable for publication in the professional literature.

The research develops progressively across the sequence of units, advancing from the initial planning of the project through to its completion and examination. In first year, students are expected to define the research question, review the relevant scientific literature, and develop and gain approval of a formal research proposal, together with the associated conflict of interest declaration, external advisor or advisory panel review, and Site Specific Assessment. In second year, students are expected to obtain ethical approval and any required research funding or support, and to undertake data collection and analysis. In third year, students are expected to prepare a full-text manuscript and complete the dissertation for submission to external examiners. Progress is monitored by the unit co-ordinators.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode	First year of offer
Not available in 2026	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) synthesise discipline knowledge in the design and execution of supervised independent research within a clinical specialty, resulting in an original dissertation of publishable quality; (2) formulate clear, focused research aims and questions that are theoretically grounded and appropriate in scope for doctoral-level inquiry; (3) analyse and synthesise the disciplinary and theoretical context in which the research is situated, demonstrating command of the field and identifying gaps the study addresses; (4) critically evaluate relevant literature to develop a coherent theoretical framework, identify contested findings, and justify need for the research; (5) design, justify, and implement appropriate research methodologies, including rigorous data collection and analysis procedures while demonstrating awareness of ethical obligations and methodological limitations; (6) critically interpret research findings in relation to existing literature, clinical practice implications, and directions for future research, demonstrating the ability to generate new disciplinary knowledge; and (7) communicate research findings in a scholarly dissertation that meets the standards of the discipline and demonstrates capacity for dissemination in peer-reviewed professional literature.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: assessment continuing. 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 assessment continuing component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Adam Hamilton

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

90840 Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

and Successful completion of

DENT6923 Research Dissertation Part 3

Contact hours

Approximately 6 - 10 contact hours a week