Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

About the course

Quick details

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Endodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Oral Medicine

Dento-maxillofacial Radiology

Program objectives:

As defined by the Dental Board of Australia, Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology is the branch of dentistry that deals with diagnostic imaging procedures applicable to the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region, and to other structures that are relevant for the proper assessment of oral conditions. It involves the skills and knowledge of how to select the correct imaging modality for each type of pathology and the skills and knowledge to interpret the acquired images accurately. A Dento-Maxillofacial Radiologist plays a key role in the diagnostic process as well as in the follow up of certain treatments as an adequate differential diagnosis can be provided to any other discipline in dentistry. The latter benefits both the dental care provider and the patient.

Program description:

This curriculum is based on specific learning outcomes for core units as well as discipline based units that reside under the UWA Dental School Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology Discipline. The lectures, seminars, journal clubs and group discussions are defined in a schedule. Regular evaluations and examinations will take place at identified dates.
The DClinDent is a three-year full-time program leading to a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree by Coursework at the University of WA. The course provides didactic and clinical tuition in Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology and related subjects. This is largely achieved through an understanding and a firm command of the contemporary literature. Students will also be trained in research methodology and they are required to design and conduct a research project. The course allows for consolidation of knowledge of the basic sciences and expansion of clinical experience gained previously as well as during the course. 
This program is designed to lead to a specialist registration in the field of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology. The course comprises a balanced mix of didactic coursework, clinical work and a research project covering all aspects of contemporary DMFR practice. 
Clinical and didactic training in DMFR will be undertaken at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA) or at other facilities approved by the Program Convenor and the Dean and Head of the UWA Dental School. Clinical training will be under the supervision of specialist DMFRs and/or Specialist Head and Neck Medical Radiologists.

Teaching
The philosophy of the program is to use preferably teaching and learning methods that are student-centred. The postgraduate student will need to take full responsibility for his/her learning and acquire characteristics such as critical thinking, decision-making, active and autonomous learning together with problem solving. 
The specific methods to be used in each unit are outlined below under the description for each unit. 
Overall, the formal course will consist of the following teaching methods in which the students will be actively involved: 
  Lectures 
  Small group tutorials 
  Clinical work 
  Case reports and discussions 
  Workshops and student presentations 
  Journal Clubs 

Prosthodontics

Program objectives:

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics) program is an evidence-based course, reflecting the oral health needs in the specialist area of prosthodontics. Graduating specialists will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute to improving oral health in their respective communities.
The curriculum is module based and independent from traditional discipline and departmental structures. It is based on defined learning outcomes, essential to the curriculum as a whole. Curricular competences, study paths, learning materials, contact hours (e.g. lectures, seminars and working groups) and assessment procedures are outlined. On completion of each module, the experiences gained are to be used in further areas of the curriculum.

Teaching

The DClinDent (Prosthodontics) program provides didactic and clinical tuition to the student through knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of oral and peri-oral tissues as well as the aetiology, pathobiology and clinical presentation of diseases affecting these tissues. It aims to provide the student with an understanding of biomaterial science relevant to prosthodontics.

Furthermore, this program provides the student with the knowledge to discern the impact of systemic diseases on oral tissues and oral diseases on systematic health and to provide a clear understanding of the behavioural, clinical and technical procedures involved in the treatment of patients requiring prosthodontic care. Communication individually with patients and professional colleagues will be taught as well as well as the ability to assess research. 

The student will be provided with a broad and sound understanding of the evidence base in prosthodontics and show professional judgement in the assessment and analysis of clinical problems and to provide appropriate solutions best on the best available evidence. This will require the ability to evacuate, synthesize and apply the relevant literature.

Students will need to use advanced problem solving and diagnostic skills and be able to develop comprehensive treatment plans while critically evaluating the scope and limitations of various techniques balancing out the risks, costs and benefits of treatment. In practical terms, the student will develop the skills to perform all appropriate clinical examinations proficiently collecting biological, psychological and social information needed to evaluate the oral and related medical conditions for all patients. Clinical care is to be provided at the highest ethical and technical standards in line with current knowledge and with the full and valid consent of patients, delivered in a clinically proficient manner. Finally students will be required to use effective communication skills with colleagues, patients and the broader community particularly in the area of continuing education. It is hoped they will continue to learn independently with a spirit of open-mindedness and critical enquiry. 

Research

Students are required to complete a research project as a part of this program. A diverse range of projects may be chosen and may include basic material science, applied technology in the area of CAD/CAM dentistry of clinical research. During the first year, students must consider the nature of the project and discuss these ideas with the Program Convenor/Discipline Lead and the Research Coordinator. 

Program Convenor/Discipline Lead
Associate Professor Vladimir Hotinski

Other staff
Dr Poh Hun Loh
Dr Victor Matsubara
Dr Amr Fawzy

Periodontics

Program objectives:
Clinical teaching covers the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning and conservative therapy of patients with periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Students also learn and practise the full range of periodontal surgical procedures (access surgery, mucogingival, resective and reconstructive surgery). Additional emphasis will be given to teaching and the practice of pre-prosthetic surgical procedures (such as crown lengthening, dental implant placement, hard and soft tissue augmentative procedures). Although this postgraduate program has a strong component that relates to implant dentistry, the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics is designed for students to graduate as periodontal specialists not implant dentists.

Teaching
Throughout the three years, students spend at least half their time in clinical practice (four to six weekly clinical sessions). In addition to these clinical sessions, all students supervise dental students in one or two sessions per week. The first year is introductory to the study of periodontal tissue and periodontal diseases. It is also the foundation for the application of periodontology for clinical treatment, management of periodontal conditions and the interrelation with other clinical disciplines. 

The second year is devoted to treatment of periodontal patients with non-surgical, surgical procedures and multi-disciplinary approach. The introduction and exposure to oral implantology with placement of dental implants also commences in this year. The final year mainly focuses on the treatment of more complex periodontal, implant and interdisciplinary cases. The didactic component of the program consists of a series of case presentations, journal clubs and assignments (seminars), held on a regular basis and presented by the students. 

Additional seminars on selected topics are offered by the periodontic academic staff members. Interdisciplinary seminars and lessons (Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Implants) are also offered throughout the three years.

One-third of the program is allocated to conduct clinical or basic research. The research project is the basis for a thesis that should result in the production of a full text manuscript submitted to a scientific journal. The research component will be carried out within the Dental School’s Research Program in Oral Implantology and Periodontics. The program is committed to undertake research in the broad fields of implant dentistry and periodontics. Research aims to increase knowledge in the etiopathogenesis, immunopathology, diagnosis and treatment of peri-implant and periodontal diseases. Special emphasis is placed on the study of innovative procedures and biomaterials in oral implantology.

Program Convenor/Discipline Lead
Associate Professor Leticia Algarves Miranda

Other staff
Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer Dr Mehdi Valizadeh
Dr Julio Rincon
Dr Robert Childs
Dr Keith Gale

Oral Medicine

Program objectives:
The course is designed to lead to specialist registration in the discipline of oral medicine in Australia. With this in mind, the curriculum is designed to guide the development of specialist trainees in Oral Medicine. This produces specialists who become experts in oral medicine and are included on the Dental Board of Australia specialist list in Oral Medicine. The standards have been developed from the existing competency document for Oral Medicine developed by the Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia.

This course comprises a mix of didactic coursework, clinical work and a research project covering all aspects of oral medicine practice. These include the relevant biomedical sciences (e.g. microbiology, clinical immunology, general and oral pathology as they pertain to oral medicine) and multidisciplinary treatment planning with all dental speciality disciplines. Internal medicine and clinical medical rotations comprise an important part of the program. Clinical teaching will cover the examination, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment of patients with oral mucosal disease, salivary gland disorders, orofacial pain, TMD, and dental sleep medicine. On completion of the course, students are eligible to undertake examinations with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia.

Other Staff
Associate Professor Agnieszka Frydrych
Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Ramesh Balasubramaniam
Dr Omar Kujan
Dr Jacinta Vu

Life in Perth

Life in Perth 

Perth is Australia’s fourth-largest city and capital of the thriving state of Western Australia. It offers an inspiring study environment with sunny weather, a relaxed outdoor environment and beautiful natural scenery.

Moving to Perth 

You’ll find all the information you need here to get you started on your journey to study with us at UWA.

Accommodation 

UWA offers accommodation for students and academics close to the University and Perth.

What to bring 

Western Australia has strict customs and quarantine laws, which do not allow you to bring a variety of animal, farm and wildlife products into the state.

Student visas

As an international student, you’ll need to obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. 

Endodontics

Program objectives:

This program provides teaching and clinical tuition in endodontics and related subjects. This is largely achieved through an understanding and a firm command of contemporary endodontic literature. Students are trained in research methodology and are required to design and conduct a research project. The program allows for consolidation of knowledge of the basic sciences and expansion of clinical experience gained previously as well as during the course.

Program description:

Teaching
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the dental pulp and the peri-radicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences, including the biology of the normal pulp, and the aetiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and the associated peri-radicular conditions.

All aspects of endodontics and dental traumatology will be studied and practised in detail. The emphasis of the program is on the diagnosis and management of pulp, root canal and periapical conditions. Integrated and multidisciplinary treatment planning is an important aspect. Clinical training is provided within the Oral Health Centre of WA clinics. Opportunities may also be available for candidates to see interesting cases at other clinics and/or in private practice. Students will also spend some time teaching in the dentistry program (DMD degree).

The Endodontics program consists of three core units undertaken by all DClinDent students in the Dental School. These core units cover Dental Research Methodology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiography and Radiology, and Biostatistics. The other units of study are discipline-specific and cover Endodontic Theory, Endodontic Clinical Practice and Endodontic Research. At UWA, each unit of study is allocated a point value and students are required to accumulate 144 points over the three-year course duration – that is, 48 points per year, split into 24 points per semester.

Orthodontics

Program Description:
Teaching
Year 1 includes didactic courses that are common to all DClinDent programs, including Dental Research Methodology, Biostatistics and Oral and Maxillofacial Radiography. In addition, didactic instruction in orthodontics is delivered in a unit, Orthodontics Theory, encompassing components including Anatomy for Graduate Students, Oral Pathology, Growth and Development 1 and 2, Biomechanics and Material Science, Orthodontic Diagnosis and Literature Review. The clinical instruction parallels the didactic coursework with extensive clinical instruction and experience in Orthodontics Clinical Practice.

Year 2 includes didactic instruction in Orthodontics Theory, encompassing components including Bone and Connective Tissue, Genetics, Occlusion - Function and Dysfunction 1, Adult Orthodontics and Periodontics, Dentofacial Deformities and Literature Review. The clinical instruction parallels the didactic coursework with extensive clinical instruction and experience in Orthodontics Clinical Practice.

Year 3 includes didactic instruction in orthodontics in Orthodontics Theory, encompassing components including Occlusion – Function and Dysfunction, Craniofacial Anomalies and Literature Review. The clinical instruction includes rotation through a number of private offices to experience aspects of practice management.

Students are required to complete a research project as part of the DClinDent program. A diverse range of projects may be chosen after consultation with the faculty and may include basic science, applied technology or clinical research. During the first year, students must seriously consider the nature of the project and discuss these ideas with the Discipline Lead, the coordinator of our basic science research program.

Students are expected to present an oral research abstract at the Postgraduate Research Day which is held towards the end of the academic year. The presentation in first year relates to the research proposal, in second year, preliminary data, and finally, the oral research presentation in full at the end of third year.

Other staff
Associate Professor Mike Razza
Associate Professor Carl Sim
Associate Professor Peter Tien
Dr Steven Naoum
Dr Richard Lee
Dr Consuela Loza  

Paediatrics

Program description:
Teaching
Training in research methodology is an integral part of the program and the aim is to achieve excellence in paediatric oral health-related research. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible for specialist registration in the field of Paediatric Dentistry in Australasia, provided they meet the other requirements of the Dental Board of Australia's relevant registration standards.

The DClinDent (Paediatric Dentistry) program provides didactic and clinical tuition in Paediatric Dentistry and related subjects. This is largely achieved through an understanding and a firm command of the contemporary literature related to and associated with paediatric dentistry. Candidates are also trained in research methodology and are required to design and conduct a research project.

The program involves outpatient clinical practice which includes a wide range of dental conditions which occur in children with an emphasis on medically compromised, cleft lip and palate and special needs patients, examination of new patients upon referral and presenting for emergency care, management of traumatic oro-facial injuries, treatment planning and primary care. Participation will be in small-group seminars to discuss treatment planning and treatment progress. The treatment of these patients may be rendered as in-patients and outpatients under general anaesthesia, inhalation and local anaesthesia. For the medically compromised children, treatment planning can be expected to involve liaison with other healthcare workers. Furthermore, candidates will have on-call duties at the children’s hospital.

Clinical and didactic training in Paediatric Dentistry will be undertaken at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA), Princess Margaret Hospital/Perth Children’s Hospital, or at other facilities approved by the Program Convenor and the Dean and Head of the UWA Dental School. Clinical training will be under the supervision of specialist paediatric dentists.

Research
Some of the current research projects in the Paediatric Oral Health Research groups include, but are not restricted to, cariology in children, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) changes, restorative materials, dentine adhesives, identification of genetic risk factors for dental and craniofacial anomalies, developmental defects of dental tissues, syndromes, and evidence-based evaluation of the current treatment approaches in paediatric dentistry. Furthermore, novel approaches for caries management and hypomineralised first permanent molars are also being trialled. All candidates must complete a research project with time allocated for this throughout the three years of the course. 

Other staff
Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor John C Winters
Dr Jilen Patel