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 

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 describe the importance of a correct model analysis for planning a removable prosthesis
• can describe how a removable protheses should be designed in relation to psychological, functional, aesthetic and phonetic requirements
• can explain the concepts of model production, modelling, full-ceramic press technique, polymerisation and finishing
• is familiar with the active and passive retention elements of cast partial prostheses
• can describe the design of crowns as an aid to maintaining or recreating the patient's dental physiology and occlusion
• has knowledge of basic preparation design, materials and techniques for planning and the producing single crowns
• is familiar with the areas of use for single implants and the choice of the implant’s pertaining components for the purpose of arriving at a functional design
• can explain how shape, colour and texture are used as a means of maintaining the necessary function and aesthetics when making tooth replacements
• is familiar with methods for manipulating colour contrasts and three-dimensional shapes
• is familiar with principles of facial analysis and procedures for colour selection
• 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

• make functional plaster models for fixed and removable prosthetics of an acceptable quality
• make a plaster model with a replica for implant work models
• demonstrate the correct treatment of wax, plaster, methyl methacrylate and ceramics
• arrange teeth on complete prostheses in relation to their antagonists with stable occlusion
• polymerise, smooth and polish complete dentures in accordance with set criteria
• design a flexible bite splint 
• design and produce single all-ceramic fully anatomical crowns with acceptable morphology
• use a parallelometer for model analysis and surveying under supervision in connection with the structuring of partial prostheses
• apply knowledge from colour and shape studies to create harmony in a reduced dentition
• carry out colour selection and facial analyses of patients under supervision
• carry out basic digital design (CAD) of single crowns
• correctly use and maintain equipment and machines
• under supervision take an impression of a patient, delegated by a dentist 
• maintain a correct patient record as required by law, and store in a secure manner

General competence

The student

• can reflect on the quality of his or her own work
• can explain the connection between health, education, work and living conditions, and the psychosocial significance of teeth for both individual people and groups in society in relation to positive public health and work inclusion
• has insight into the connection between colour, design and visual perception
• participate in an interdisciplinary exchange of opinions about the choice of splint therapy in a given case

The work and teaching methods include lectures, demonstration lectures, self-study, seminars and skills training. Digital learning resources are used in the course in the form of video lectures and practical exercises. Parts of the teaching is organised as flipped classroom where digital resources are available to the students in advance. In seminars, the students work individually or in groups. Skills training in the school’s laboratories provides the students with an opportunity to acquire necessary and basic skills required for producing single crowns, complete dentures and flexible splints. A dentist will supervise the students when taking an impression. Training is given in the correct use and maintenance of the programme's machines and equipment.

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

• a minimum attendance of 90% at demonstration lectures
• a minimum attendance of 80 % at skills training, seminars and scheduled group work
• three individual written assignments, 3,000 words (+/- 10 per cent)

Portfolio assessment: Individual portfolio comprising 6 practical assignments in accordance with set criteria (corresponding 14 laboratory days). 

Weighting: Two (2) of the assignments will be selected for assessment. One overall grade is awarded based on the portfolio. Both assignments count equally with respect to grading, but if an F is awarded for one of the assignments, the overall grade will also be an F.

Resits/rescheduled exam: The student has a right to rework submitted assignments that have been awarded an F (fail) once.

All aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F

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.