TAB1400 Oral Health – Occlusion and Pathology Course description

Occlusion is the study of functional anatomy and the physiology of the masseter muscles, occlusion and jaw joints (the stomatognathic system). The course focuses on occlusion and articulation theory and the importance of maintaining or restoring correct occlusion and vertical dimension. General dental physiology and pathology in the oral cavity is an important part of the course. Another important aspect is the understanding of diagnostics and treatment of function-related illness in the stomatognathic system using dental technology products.

The student will acquire knowledge and skills in the design of simple stabilisation splints with the help of digital or conventional production processes and knowledge of teeth whitening trays and the possible consequences of their use. Basic procedures in the areas of impression taking, hygiene and record keeping are also part of the course.

Breakdown of credits: Theory 4 and skills training 1.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can explain the factors that contribute to pathology in the oral cavity
• can describe the mechanisms behind and the consequences of the diseases caries, gingivitis and periodontitis
• can describe the oral cavity’s orthofunction in connection with tooth loss
• can explain the relevant procedures for hygiene and taking impressions of a patient's teeth
• is familiar with bite splints as a protection/treatment option in connection with function-related illness
• is familiar with areas of use and possible consequences of the use of teeth whitening trays

Skills

The student can

• produce a flexible splint
• under supervision, make simple impressions of a patient referred by a dentist
• carry out legally required record keeping and secure storing of files

General competence

The student can

• reflect on different views on dental health in relation to different age groups and cultures
• participate in an interdisciplinary exchange of opinions about the choice of splint therapy in a given case

The work and teaching methods vary between lectures, self-study demonstration lectures, seminars and skills training combined with theoretical assignments individually or in groups. For parts of the teaching, the flipped classroom method is used in which different digital learning resources are made available for the students in advance. Skills training in the university’s laboratories provides the students with an opportunity to acquire the necessary and fundamental skills required to produce a single flexible splint.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam: 

• a minimum attendance of 90 % at demonstration lectures in the laboratory
• a minimum attendance of 80 % at skills training, seminars and scheduled group work

Individual home exam over two days. Either a written assignment of 1,000 words (+/- 10 percent), or a film/video, podcast, up to ten minutes

All aids are permitted as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F

All exams are assessed by an internal and an external examiner.

5 credits overlap with the course TANN1100 Dental Morphology and Biology