Cariology

Teaching semester

7th semester

Objectives and Content

Theoretical instruction will provide a deeper understanding of the oral ecosystem and its importance for the development of diseases and injuries of the teeth. Etiology, progression, and diagnosis of diseases are discussed as well as activity/progression and prevention, and restorative treatment. This module in cariology will further increase the students' understanding of the importance of factors such as lifestyle, general health, social and cultural circumstances, for oral health.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Students will be able to describe

• tooth development and dental developmental disorders and histopathology in relation to normal status and disease in the dental hard tissue
• the function of the oral ecosystem, including the importance of diet and saliva composition, in connection with oral health
• the importance of general health, psychological factors, medication and lifestyle in connection with oral health / disease and dry mouth associated with disease, medication, abuse and radiotherapy and diagnosis, evaluation and possible treatment / symptom relief
• traditional clinical, radiographic and modern caries diagnostic methodsand diagnosis of different hard tissue injuries such as dental caries, tooth wear and developmental disorders and their causes, prevention and the possibility for reparative and prophylactic treatment / symptom relief
• principles and methods for chemical and mechanical plaque control and the mechanisms of fluoride and fluoride therapy in the preventive treatment and possible negative effects of fluoride therapy
• principles and indications for preparations, selection, use and handling of materials and the complications of caries therapy, restorative failures as well as indications for repair/changes of dental restoration
• the cause for discoloration of teeth and possible treatment choices including principles of aesthetic dentistry treatment based on ethical considerations
• interpret caries epidemiological data

Skills

Students will be able to

• obtain relevant medical history
• conduct clinical, radiological and other necessary investigations (such as saliva tests and dietary history)
• make diagnoses and keep dental records
• make an overall assessment of the patient, evaluate disease activity and development
• prioritize treatment needs, plan and implement cause-oriented adequate preventive and reparative therapy
• evaluate the results of treatment, evaluate disease progression and recall intervals
• recognize your own limitations and know when to consult/refer the patient for appropriate treatment
• communicate with patients, dental- and health- professionals in an proper way

General competence

The candidate will develop a positive and responsible attitude towards preserving the natural dentition in best possible way, both functionally and aesthetically.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

Lectures (F), seminars, group instruction, demonstrations and patient treatment. Clinical instruction will be closely related to the fields of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics in patients with needs for comprehensive dental care.

The teaching of cariology is partly subject specific, partly integrated in the blocks "Preclinical Course / Biomaterials/Cariology/Prosthetic dentistry" and "General Dentistry".

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

The Clinical subject-specific courses must be completed before transition to the General Dentistry module.

Forms of Assessment

Written exam (7 semester). Written examination (10 semester within the subject General dentistry).

Grading Scale

A-F

Course Evaluation

Written evaluation on My Space/Mi side.

Department

Department of clinical dentistry