Clinical Practice 2(a)

Normal year taken

Semester 1 of Year 2

Course level (UG/PG)

Undergraduate

SCQF credits

15

SCQF level

Level 9

Total contact teaching hours

Short course description

Students will continue to develop periodontal treatment skills on patient clinics (from semester two of year one) and begin carrying out treatment on paediatric clinics. Students will be introduced to restorative dentistry techniques within the remit of a Dental Hygiene Therapist in accordance with the General Dental Council (GDC) standards framework. Students will carry out practical skills in the phantom head suite. Students will be introduced to geriatric dentistry and the specific needs and considerations required to treat an ageing population.

Learning outcomes taken from original course outline as in line with GDC standards framework ( I have added a 6th one)

1. Be competent in the evaluation of caries and management of the teeth and supporting structures.
2. Have knowledge and show understanding of the factors affecting oral healthcare of the ageing population.
3. Have knowledge of the range of dental materials available and relevant indications for their use.
4. Safely carry out caries removal and demonstrate use of appropriate dental materials to restore the dentition.
5. Demonstrate competent dental management of the child patient using a range of communication and clinical skills.
6. Be competent in the identification of patient factors and restoration failure.

Components of assessment

Course description

As students’ progress through the first semester of year two, there is an increase in the number of sessions on patient clinics treating periodontal disease. Students will continue to complete clinical competencies in treatment tasks and administration of local anaesthetic.

Students will begin treatment on paediatric clinic, developing communication and management skills for the niche cohort of patients. Students will carry out oral hygiene instruction, give diet advice and apply fissure sealants for patients as necessary.

Students will commence the theoretical and practical training in restorative dentistry as detailed in the of practice of the Dental Hygiene Therapist as set by the GDC. Students will attend lectures on biomaterials and caries management. Students will be required to view online video demonstrations in preparation for practical clinical skills sessions. Students will participate in an online reflective blog, sharing pictures of work they have carried out in clinical skills. In addition, students will be required to participate in peer assessment and give feedback to other students via comments on blogs. Students will also receive feedback from supervisors which will be recorded in the Identity System (Professionalism and Clinical marking record system). Collation of the Identity feedback and blogs will create a portfolio that students will utilise when organising their independent revision sessions and to reflect on areas of success.

Students are required to achieve all periodontal clinical competencies prior to examinations in December. Students will be assessed in an OSCE format, 12 stations where candidates will be required to demonstrate a task, discuss a case or answer short written questions. Students will also be assessed on practical clinical ability in a SCOT. The marking criteria will assess the students’ professionalism, cavity design, use of protection, material selection, application and restoration presentation. Students will have access to the marking criteria for the SCOT in advance and will be given a mock examination in preparation.