TAB2300 Prosthodontics 3 – Fixed Prosthodontics (A) Course description

The course deals with and expands on different treatment options and production techniques in fixed prosthetics, focusing on crowns, bridges, implants, facets and inlays/onlays. Students work with conventional and digital techniques to produce clinically acceptable, aesthetic and functional restorations. The course comprises digital production techniques when using both additive and subtractive production methods.

Throughout the course, the students will develop knowledge and skills in glazing, cutback and layering technique. The all-ceramic restorations will be produced in glass and polycrystalline ceramics. Self-assessment of finished works in accordance with professional assessment criteria is emphasised. The aim is to develop the student’s professional understanding and communicate the importance of quality assuring dental technology production.

Breakdown of credits: Theory 10 credits and skills training 10 credits.

Passed first year of the programme or equivalent.

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 most important clinical issues relating to the choice of materials and design for crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, facets, posts and sub-structures
• explain the basic design principles of function and aesthetics in fixed prosthetics
• explain and justify the basic work process for model production and design of restorations for conventional and/or digital production of fixed prosthetics
• describe different techniques for additive and subtractive production used in dental technology
• explain the possibilities and limitations of using CAD/CAM in the production of tooth replacements in fixed prosthetics
• explain the importance of colour and shape in the production of tooth replacements
• describe the use of temporary tooth replacements and treatment planning such as a diagnostic mock-up of fixed prosthetics
• describe changes in the natural dentition throughout life and explain concepts related to teeth wearing such as abrasion, attrition and erosion

Skills 

The student can

• master the correct use of materials related to the production of fixed prosthetics
• scan and design crowns and small bridges
• design and create a fully digital and/or partially digital single crown at an acceptable level
• design and produce all-ceramic single crowns, small bridges, inlays/onlays and facets using CAD/CAM or conventional techniques at an acceptable level
• master layering and cut-back techniques in a manner that ensures proper function, aesthetics and hygiene
• design and produce a single implant crown using digital work processes
• design a bite splint using digital production techniques
• produce a separate post that recreates the preparation form for a single crown
• use production equipment for fixed prosthetics in a way that maintains the material’s properties throughout the production process and complies with relevant HSE guidelines

General competence

The student can

• document and present their own work orally and in writing using specialist terminology
• reflect on the quality of their own practical and theoretical work
• carry out systematic literature searches and provide correct source references

The work and teaching methods include the flipped classroom methods with seminars and extensive use of digital resources in theoretical knowledge development. Other methods include demonstration lectures, self-study, written assignments and skills training under supervision in the school’s production laboratories. Skills training plays a major role in the course and takes place in parallel with the specialisation in fixed or removable prosthetics. Through a compulsory portfolio presentation and peer reviews of fellow students’ presentations, the students can learn from each other and improve their work before it is time to submit the exam.

Throughout the course, the students must prepare a production and portfolio (coursework requirement), which, through text and photos, documents the student’s own productions and quality assessment of all types of works and production techniques covered in the course. The student will be given individual supervision in relation to their development and receive feedback on submitted assignments. The coursework requirement aims to contribute to knowledge development and function as professional support during the practical training in third year.

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 % in skills training, seminars and compulsory supervision
• individual portfolio in accordance with specified criteria. The portfolio must document all the works and production techniques covered in the course.

Portfolio assessment

Part 1) Two individual written assignments, 3,000 words (+/- 10 per cent).

Part 2) Three individual practical assignments in accordance with set criteria (corresponding ten laboratory days).

Weighting: One overall grade is awarded based on the portfolio. Parts 1 and 2 count equally with respect to grading, but if one or more of the assignments are assessed as ‘fail’, an overall grade of ‘fail’ will awarded for both parts.

Resits/rescheduled exam: The student has the opportunity to rework submitted assignments that have been assessed as 'fail' once. The practical works must then be improved or reproduced.

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

Pass/Fail

All exams are assessed by two internal examiners.

20 credits overlap with the course TANN2300