TAB1350 Prosthodontics 1 – Basic Dental Technology, Physiology and Pathology Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian 

The course covers basic structural principles for and design of removable and fixed prosthetics. Knowledge about preparation theory and model analysis is necessary to achieve an optimal result. Occlusion is the study of functional anatomy and the physiology of the masseter muscles, occlusion and jaw joints (the stomatognathic system). Emphasis will be placed on the connection between design and function and the patients accept of the prosthesis. In order to recreate the distinctive shape of a tooth, emphasis will be placed on the principles behind the perception of different colour effects and expression of form.

Pathology in this course is about bite-related disorders. The course focuses on occlusion and articulation theory and the importance of maintaining or restoring correct occlusion and vertical dimension, as well as understanding of diagnostics and treatment of function-related illness in the stomatognathic system. Also included is design of simple stabilisation splints and teeth whitening trays.

The course will use digital and conventional production processes of both removable and fixed prosthetics. Design of simple stabilisation splints and 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 10 and skills training 15 

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

Skills

The student can

• independently produce oral prosthetics in the chosen specialisation at a clinically acceptable level
• independently plan and make responsible choices in relation to materials and suitable method for producing oral prosthetics in the chosen specialisation
• carry out necessary laboratory technology, morphological and design adaptations with a particular focus on patient adaptation in a social perspective
• apply the precise specialist terminology of the profession and supervise fellow students, other dental health personnel and patients in dental technology issues
• evaluate the design of the dental technology product and its practical execution in relation to professional assessment criteria and theoretical and research-based knowledge

General competence

The student

• can present and exchange points of view and experience with others in the field about treatment planning and production of dental technology products in line with applicable guidelines and professional and ethical requirements
• has insight into relevant academic and professional issues relating to the choice of dental technology solutions in relation to the patient’s right of co-determination, socio-economic factors and HSE
• can assess and refer to research results to explain and update their actions in their own professional practice
• can critically assess the risk of undesirable incidents relating to the use of dental materials, production equipment and processes

The work and teaching methods include demonstration lectures, self-study, seminars and skills training in the university laboratories. The skills training is preparation for the exam and provides the student with the opportunity to further develop their skills relating to the production of relevant dental technology products in the chosen specialisation, fixed or removable prosthetics.

Parts of the skills training in the laboratory is supervised. The student also receives individual supervision and feedback in relation to their own study progression. The two last weeks of the course are dedicated to individual practical exams in the university laboratories. During the exam, the student must demonstrate quality and independence in the execution of their work on the practical work assignments allocated in their programme option.

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

• a minimum attendance of 90 % at demonstration lectures and lab exercises
• a minimum attendance of 80 % in skills training, seminars and compulsory supervision

Individual practical exam with a written self-assessment in the chosen specialisation, eight working days.Scope:

Specialisation A - Fixed prosthetics, six to eight practical tooth replacement units produced in the university laboratories.

Specialisation B - Removable prosthetics, six to eight practical tooth replacement units created in the university laboratories.

An overall grade is awarded for the exam based on an overall academic assessment. All the submitted practical tooth replacement units must be assessed as A-E in order for the student to pass the exam.

Resits/rescheduled exam: If one or more of the practical tooth replacement units are awarded a fail grade, the student has the right to submit a reworked version once.

All aids are permitted as long as the programme’s guidelines for the independent completion of individual work processes are adhered to.

Grade scale A-F

All answers are assessed by two examiners.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Two internal examiners will assess all exams. An external examiner contributes to the preparation and quality assurance of the exam questions.

20 credits overlap with the course TANN1300 Prosthetics 1, 20 credits overlap with TAB1300 Prosthodontics 1 - Basic Dental Technology and Design, 5 credits overlap with TANN1100 Dental Morphology and Biology and 5 credits overlap med TAB1400 Oral Health - Occlusion and Pathology.