Aim And Objectives
AIM:
The Doctor of Dental Surgery encourages a clinical practice oriented and evidence-based approach to learning
OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of the DDS graduates are expected to:
SPECIFIC
- relate the scientific evidence to the technical and vocational aspects of dental practice
- acquire essential factual knowledge to become a general dentist and leader of the oral health team
- identify the oral health needs of a community in order of priority and find methods to fulfil the needs
- induce oral health changes in individual patients and their families and behavioural changes in the community generally
- apply experience, scientific knowledge and methods to the management of problems of oral health care
- practice integrated general dentistry and provide oral health care to all sectors of the community
- design and conduct scientific investigations into clinical, basic science and community health problems
- practice effectively in oral health promotion and education
- communicate effectively with patients and their relatives
- communicate effectively with professional colleagues and members of other health professions
- exhibit professional responsibility in relation to both individuals and the community
- understand the various aspects of dental practice, including general dental practice, specialist dental practice, academic teaching and research, armed services, community health, government oral health provision
- integrate knowledge from a range of scientific disciplines which relate to health and oral disease
- achieve the competencies identified by the Dental Practice Boards of Australia necessary for practice as a registered general dentist
- manage and maintain a safe working environment, working with other members of the dental team with regard to health and safety and clinical risk management
Understand:
- principles relating to oral health
- disease processes and mechanisms in structural and functional terms together with their aetiology, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment
- the influence culture has on perception of health and disease;
Demonstrate:
- professional skills and attitudes expected of a dental practitioner
- a well developed understanding of oral health from global, population, community, family and individual perspectives;
- the ability to critically appraise research evidence relevant to common oral problems and translate this evidence into development and implementation of appropriate treatment plans to improve patient outcomes;
- an understanding of the Australian oral health care system in terms of policy and the organizational context of health service delivery;
Develop:
- the capacity to audit and observe clinical governance.
GENERIC
- work effectively as a member of a team;
- have skills in interpersonal understanding, problem-solving, decision making, program design and implementation, evaluation and advocacy;
- demonstrate capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life
- demonstrate professional skills and attitudes
- design and conduct scientific investigations
- exhibit professional responsibility
- critically appraise research evidence
- demonstrate the ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner
- be able to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and co-operatively, to current and future problems
- be proficient in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies
- have an awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities
- value diversity of opinion within health care
- value diversity in health beliefs, lifestyles, ethnic and cultural background
- demonstrate a non-judgemental approach to their interactions within the health system, with other health professionals ensure safe and effective care for people of diverse backgrounds;