DENT 7224B - Specialist Clinical Oral Pathology III Part 2

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2017

The University of Adelaide postgraduate Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program in Oral Pathology is of three years duration and leads to the degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry. This course is part of a specific program designed to lead to a specialist registration in the field of Oral Pathology. The course comprises a mix of coursework, diagnostic histopathology and some clinical work.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code DENT 7224B
    Course Specialist Clinical Oral Pathology III Part 2
    Coordinating Unit Dental
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 24
    Contact 12 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites DENT 7224A
    Restrictions Doctor of Clinical Dentistry only
    Assessment casebook reports, seminar/tutorial participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Richard Logan

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Ensure students have a detailed knowledge of the normal anatomy and histology of the teeth, the jaw bones, oral soft tissues and the salivary glands
    2. Ensure students have a knowledge of core pathological processes affecting the body at an organ and particularly the tissue level
    3. Provide students with a detailed knowledge of the pathology and histopathological diagnosis of diseases affecting the teeth, the jaw bones, the oral soft tissues and the salivary glands
    4. Provide students with a clinical perspective to oral disease processes
    5. Provide student with the necessary knowledge and skills in relation to tissue handling, processing and report writing
    6. Provide training and experience in research relevant to the discipline
    7. Encourage interdisciplinary management of patients
    8. To produce oral and maxillofacial pathologists who can ultimately practice unsupervised in oral pathology, contributing to comprehensive, safe and high 
quality dental (and medical) care, including in the general roles required for routine dental practice and within the ethical standards of the profession and the community.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1-6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    5, 6
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    • Full University of Adelaide library resources • Access to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Diagnosis clinics and Special Needs Clinics, Adelaide Dental Hospital • Access to Head & Neck Clinic, Royal Adelaide Hospital • Access to case notes and archival histopathology slide collections in Oral Pathology • Access to anatomical pathology cases and rotations through pathology laboratories
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The program is divided into two principal components:

    1. Structured Program
    Research methods, experimental design and ethics
    Coursework - Clinical experience; Professional development

    2. Research
    Research seminars; Research training ; Research project.

    STRUCTURED PROGRAM
    Research methods, experimental design and ethics:

    A series of lectures, seminars and workshops that provide an introduction to research literature, research methods, critical thought, management of research data, ethics and other topics that are needed to undertake research training. This part of the programme is presented in an intensive block followed by a series of seminars during the first six months of the program.

    Coursework:
    Through reading, tutorials, seminars and case discussions students will gain knowledge and understanding in the areas of patient examination, assessment and pathological assessment and diagnosis. Students will also participate in a range of interdisciplinary activities with students from other specialist areas.

    Seminars: two diagnostic oral histopathology seminars weekly (where possible in collaboration with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrars and Special Needs Dentistry )

    Laboratory and Clinical Rotations: rotations in laboratories at SA Pathology (where possible from second year of the program);rotations in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Outpatient Clinics, ADH (from second year of the program); attendance at the Head and Neck Clinic, RAH where possible Related Activities;individual histopathology tuition;essays; assignments; seminars on core topics in Oral Pathology; teaching sessions with undergraduates
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Tutorials/Seminars - 3 per week 2 hours

    Pathology case review/reporting - 5 x 3hr sessions per week

    Research - 1 day/week

    Occasional attendance at seminars/meeting after hours may be required (e.g. Head and Neck meetings)
    Learning Activities Summary
    Details will be made available on MyUni.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment of the Structured Program in Specialist Oral Pathology involves:
    Continuous evaluation of performance by staff  satisfactory attendance at and participation in research seminars  regular attendance at research meetings with supervisors  satisfactory progress with research project  evaluation of assigned essays and seminars  completion of logbooks documenting oral and general pathology cases  submission of casebook of 10 cases (see below)  written and practical diagnostic oral histopathology examinations (including case discussion with examiners).

    End of 1st year
    2 hour written examination in basic pathological principles.

    End of 2nd year
    3 hour practical examination in oral pathology (5 cases) plus 1 hour discussion of cases with examiner

    End of 3rd year
    3 hour practical examination in oral pathology (15 cases).

    Satisfactory progress will be assessed based on completion of goals set at the beginning of the candidature including satisfactory completion of examinations.

    Casebook
    Each case will comprise discussion and clinicopathological correlation of selected oral and (at least 1) general pathology cases. Each report will be no more than 10 pages (single spaced type) and include a bibliography of up to 30 references. Each report will include high quality photographs or illustrations (as appropriate) of macroscopic and microscopic findings as well as include a critical appraisal the cited literature.

    Assessment of the Research Component involves:
    Completion of the Core Component of Structured Program
    Annual Review of Progress
    Major Review of Progress
    External examination of the thesis.

    The final assessment is external examination of the degree by conventional thesis (traditional formation or thesis by publication) or portfolio. The thesis by publication will include a literature review, final manuscripts of two papers describing the results of a research project in a format suitable for publication, and an over-arching discussion.
    Assessment Detail
    Clinical Assessment / Case reports / Log Book

    The assessment of this component of the programme is composed of the following:

    Formative Review
    The emphasis of this program is self-motivated learning and evaluation. However, regular formative review is also held with senior teaching staff. Postgraduate students are assessed continuously throughout their training. Assessment reviews clinical case mix and amount of diagnostic histopathology experience. Deficient areas are discussed and remedied with the postgraduate student. In all years, students are assessed on a continuing basis in the conduct of their diagnostic histopathology activities, case report presentation, presentations of diagnostic histopathology cases seen as well as review of the the case book.

    Summative Assessment
    Students will receive continuous assessment of their diagnostic histopathology, case presentations and log book. These form the overall assessment and led to the barrier written examinations and viva voce examinations at the end of 2nd Semester.

    Case Reports
    Twelve “achievement” case presentations are required at the end of the 3rd year. These “achievement” cases are cases selected by the student to highlight their achievements during the program and the range of cases/pathology diagnosed. The principle of the “achievement” cases is to ensure a broad range of clinical cases is obtained and treatment is provided and supported by current research and literature. During each semester, students will be expected to prepare and present their achievement cases. There is an expectation that students present five to six cases each semester, the most comprehensive of these will be included in the “twelve achievement cases” submitted for their final assessment in third year. These case reports will be assessed based on the presentation style, as well as appropriate literature to support their respective management of each case.

    Portfolio/Logbook Requirements
    Each case will comprise discussion and clinicopathological correlation of selected oral and (at least 1) general pathology cases. Each report will be no more than 10 pages (single spaced type) and include a bibliography of up to 30 references. Reports will include high quality photographs or illustrations (as appropriate) of macroscopic and microscopic findings as well as include a critical appraisal the cited literature. The casebook conforms to the requirements that are outlined in the Royal College of Pathologist of Australasia trainee handbook for Fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. (NB completion of the DClinDent in Oral Pathology does not qualify for Fellowship with the Faculty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology)

    Assignments / Presentations
    In each semester there are a series of traditional didactic teaching seminars. Students will be required to present comprehensive reviews of selected topics as directed on their individual didactic roster. Students will be assessed on their ability to review the literature and prepare an appropriately written, referenced literature review related to the specific topic. In addition, students are expected to present their review in the form of a power point presentation. Both the literature review and the power point presentation will be assessed. A fail in a specific component of the review will result in the need for the student to repeat this until the appropriate standard is achieved. At the conclusion of the review, a viva voce session, or short written assessment may be held to ensure that the topic is fully understood by all students involved. The end of semester examination will assess the specific topics from that semester. In following semesters, examinations will include all relevant information covered by the student to provide a continuous assessment of knowledge related to oral and maxillofacial pathology.

    Examinations
    Comprehensive internal written and oral examinations are held at the completion of each year. In each year there is a three hour written examination. Students must complete the examination satisfactorily before proceeding to the next semester.

    Summary
    In order to fulfil the requirements for this course, the student will need to have satisfactorily completed all components of the program.

    All summative assessments are required to be completed satisfactorily.

    Assessment of the Structured Program in Specialist Oral Pathology involves: • continuous evaluation of performance by staff • satisfactory presentation and performance in research seminars • evaluation of assigned essays and seminars • completion of logbooks documenting oral and general pathology cases • submission of casebook of 5 cases (see below) • written and practical diagnostic oral histopathology examinations (including case discussion with examiners).

    Satisfactory progress will be assessed based on completion of goals set at the beginning of the candidature including satisfactory completion of examinations.
    Submission
    Details will be made available on MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing
    FNS Fail No Submission
    NFE No Formal Examination
    F Fail
    NGP Non Graded Pass
    P Pass
    C Credit
    D Distinction
    HD High Distinction
    RP Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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