Cariology

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

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

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The student can 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
  • dry mouth associated with disease, medication, abuse and radiotherapy and diagnosis, evaluation and possible treatment / symptom relief
  • traditional clinical, radiographic and modern caries diagnostic methods and diagnosis of different hard tissue injuries such as dental caries, tooth wear, tooth erosion 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 of discoloration of teeth and possible treatment choices including principles of aesthetic dentistry treatment based on ethical considerations
  • interpret caries epidemiological data

Skills

The student knows how to:

  • obtain relevant medical history
  • conduct clinical, radiological and other necessary examinations (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 her/his 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 student holds a positive and responsible attitude towards preserving the natural dentition in the best possible way, both functionally and aesthetically.

ECTS Credits

12 ECTS credits

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn and spring
Required Previous Knowledge
Completed fourth semester in the study programme
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
OD3KAR-K3 10 ECTS
Access to the Course
Master of Dentistry
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, seminars, group studies, demonstrations and clinical treatments. The clinical course is closely related to the departments of endodontics, periodontology and prosthodontics.
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

All parts of the instruction are mandatory, excempt the lectures.

The student is responsible for reporting absences, and unexcused absences are not allowed.¿In addition to the attendance requirements, the academic requirements must be met, both in terms of the quality of the work and sufficient practice.

In this subject, mandatory activities are valid for two semesters.

Forms of Assessment
Written exam in the 6th semester.
Grading Scale
A-F
Assessment Semester
Spring
Reading List
The reading list will be ready within the 1st of June for the autumn semester.
Course Evaluation
The instruction will be evaluated in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB.
Examination Support Material
None
Programme Committee
Programme committee of dental study programmes
Course Coordinator
Professor Ann-Katrin G. Johansson
Course Administrator
Department of Clinical Dentistry
Department
Department of clinical dentistry