CQUniversity Unit Profile
ORAL11001 Introduction to Oral Health Therapy
Introduction to Oral Health Therapy
All details in this unit profile for ORAL11001 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit introduces you to the profession of an Oral Health Therapist and to your role within the dental team. You will be introduced to regulatory, ethical, and legal frameworks which form the basis of dental practice. in particular, this unit will focus on workplace health and safety, infection control and prevention, communication, practice management and requirements for registration. This unit will also develop the foundation knowledge and skills in the dental environment as you commence preclinical and clinical training. An important part of your preclinical training in this unit will be to gain theoretical knowledge in radiation safety and radiographic imaging procedures and learn to take both intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs safely and competently in a simulated environment. Mandatory requirements for clinical practice including, First Aid, Immunisations and Blue Card must be fulfilled.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 9
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Condition: Students must be enrolled full-time in CB29 Oral Health Course to enrol in this unit. Corequisites: BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 and ALLH11009 Research Methods for Health Professionals. 

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2024

Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 60%
2. Portfolio
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from In class

Feedback

Students responded well to additional supervisors in radiography practical sessions and in the simulation laboratory sessions. Students felt that they learnt well in these sessions.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the current level of supervision in practical classes is maintained.

Feedback from In class

Feedback

Students would like more assistance in preparation for assessment in radiography theory.

Recommendation

It is recommended that support for learning radiography theory be reviewed and that the formative quizzes in radiography be developed further to improve feedback and to assist preparation for summative assessments.

Feedback from In class

Feedback

Students responded positively to the e-Portfolio where they were asked to upload evidence of their clinical skill development. Included in the evidence were photos of tasks carried out in practical sessions and certificates. Students could see how the e-portfolio would become useful for future employment applications and their professional career.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the e-portfolio remain as part of the Portfolio assessment.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Understand the roles and responsibilities of an Oral Health Therapist as a member of the dental team and of the community.
  2. Demonstrate preclinical skills in the use of dental instruments, equipment and materials in a simulated environment including the techniques for intra-oral and extra-oral radiography.
  3. Understand the principles of infection control, workplace health and safety as well as the scientific basis, applications and safe use of ionizing radiation in dental practice.
  4. Demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical values and behaviors and communication skills for the dental practitioner.

The learning outcomes of this unit are part of the overall learning outcomes in the Bachelor of Oral Health course at CQUniversity and are included in the annual report to the Australian Dental Council (ADC).

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - In-class Test(s) - 60%
2 - Portfolio - 0%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Modern Dental Assisting

Edition: 14th (2023)
Authors: Debbie S. Robinson
Elsevier
St Louis St Louis , Missouri , USA
ISBN: Hardback ISBN: 9780323824408 and eBook ISBN: 9780323882422
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

This text book is available as an eBook and in Hardcover. 

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Ceinwen Fay Unit Coordinator
c.m.fay@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Oral Health Therapy as a Career:

  • BOH course overview
  • History of Dentistry and Oral Health Therapy
  • What it means to be a dental professional
  • Dental Therapy, Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Therapy careers
  • Members of the dental healthcare team and how they work together.

Dental Radiography 1:

  • Introduction to radiation physics and biologic effects of radiation. 

 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2023) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Chapters 1-3, and 38.

Tsang A K Led (2010) Oral Health Therapy Programs in Australia and New Zealand Emergence and development. Knowledge books and Software. Varsity Lakes, Queensland, Australia. Chapters 1 and 2.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Simulation Laboratory:

  • Hand hygiene
  • PPE 
  • Operation and maintenance of the dental simulation units.
Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to Infection Control and Prevention :

  • Introduction to microbiology and disease transmission
  • The chain of infection
  • Introduction to methods of infection control and prevention
  • Practice requirements for infection control and documentation.

Dental Radiography 2:

  • Introduction to instruments and equipment
  • Dental radiography image receptors and image production. 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2023) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Part 4, and Chapter 39.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Simulation Laboratory:

  • Ergonomics
  • Instrument handgrips and finger rests.  
Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Workplace Health and Safety:

  • Risks and hazards
  • Risk assessments
  • Hazards in the dental workplace
  • Chemical and waste disposal
  • Ergonomics
  • Laws, Regulations, Codes of Conduct, recommendations and advice
  • Workplace Health and Safety regulations and recommendations
  • Dental practice documentation.

Dental Radiography 3:

  • Introduction to radiation safety
  • Radiation protection in dentistry
  • Licensing, guidelines and practice standards in dental radiography. 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Part 5 and Chapter 38 and 40.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Simulation Laboratory:

  • Instruments 
  • Handpieces, operation and maintenance 
  • Positioning HVE and Mouth mirror
  • Performing a mouth rinse.
Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Dental Instruments and Equipment:

  • Functional areas of a dental practice and requirements
  • Operation and features of the dental chair
  • Operating zones
  • Basic grasps for dental instruments and use of a fulcrum
  • Dental handpieces, features and maintenance
  • Hand instruments in a basic set up for examination and restorative procedures
  • Basic instruments and equipment used in local anaesthesia
  • Instruments and equipment used in oral evacuation, moisture control and rubber dam
  • Basic bur types
  • Cleaning and sterilizing equipment.

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2023) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Part 7.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Simulation Laboratory: 

  • Handpieces and Burs
  • Prophylaxis and flossing activity.  
Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Dental Materials:

  • Overview of restorative and preventive dental materials including liners, bases and bonding systems. 
  • Overview of laboratory and impression materials 
  • Regulatory requirements for dental materials 
  • Introduction to dental material science. 

 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Part 9.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Simulation Laboratory:

  • Rubber Dam assembly
  • Tofflemire Matrix system 
  • Cavity preparation terminology. 

 

Vacation Week Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Infection Control and Prevention Procedures:

  • Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions
  • Processing and handling of dental instruments.
  • General surface cleaning and disinfection
  • Surgery design
  • Waste management
  • Dental unit water lines
  • Cleaning and sterilizing equipment.

Dental Radiography 4:

  •  Infection control.

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2023) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Part 4 and 5 and Chapter 40. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

 Simulation Laboratory:

  • In-Class test A
  • Handpiece presentation. 
Week 7 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to Dental Examination Procedures:

  • Medical, dental and social histories
  • Extra-oral and Intra-oral clinical examination
  • Documenting the dental examination (including tooth diagrams).
  • Further diagnostic procedures.

Dental Radiography 5:

  • Radiographic techniques - Intra-oral images 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Chapters 26, 28, and 41.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Dental Clinic:

  • Clinic facilities tour
  • Operation of the dental chair
  • Patient changeover procedure.
Week 8 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Law and Ethics in Dental Practice:

  • Dental ethics
  • The legislative framework for members of the dental healthcare team
  • The Australian context - national, states and territories
  • Dentistry and the Law
  • Professionalism and social media.

Dental Radiography 6:

  • Radiographic techniques - Extra-oral images

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Chapter 4, 5 and 42.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Dental Clinic:

  • Radiography procedures 

Dental Clinic:

  • Patient changeover procedure check
  • Admitting and seating the patient
  • Ergonomics
  • Extra oral examination on peer. 
Week 9 Begin Date: 06 May 2024

Module/Topic

Record Management:

  • The components of a patient’s dental record.
  • Consent, privacy, and confidentiality
  • Guidelines for the management of dental records in Australia.

Dental Radiography 7:

  • CQUniversity Oral Health Clinic and Australian specific content.
  • Quality assurance.

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Chapter 61.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Dental Clinic:

  • Radiography procedres 

Simulation Laboratory :

  •  Dental materials 
Week 10 Begin Date: 13 May 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to Communication:

  • Verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Listening skills
  • Communication with colleagues and patients

 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Chapter 26.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Dental Clinic:

  • Radiography procedures 

Simulation Laboratory:

  • In Class test B 
  • Hygiene skills activity 
Week 11 Begin Date: 20 May 2024

Module/Topic

Practice Management:

  • The role of a practice manager
  • Appointment scheduling and the appointment book
  • Recall programs
  • Patient billing
  • Provider numbers
  • Australian Schedule of Dental Services (Item Numbers)
  • Maintenance schedules
  • SOPs.

 

Chapter

Robinson, D. S. (2021) Modern dental assisting (14th ed.,) Elsevier. St Louis, Missouri, US. Chapters 62 and 63.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Dental Clinic:

  • Radiography procedures

Simulation Laboratory:

  • Hygiene skills activities  
Week 12 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

Module/Topic

Revision 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Dental Clinic:

  • Radiography Practical Assessment

Simulation laboratory:

  • Hygiene skills activities
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In Class Tests

Task Description

There are two practical-based tests in this assessment. Each test is based on the practical skills and knowledge completed in the simulation laboratory, prosthetic laboratory and clinic sessions and outlined in the workbooks 1 and 2. To prepare for the tests you should study the recommended textbook chapters, the essential resources on Moodle and weekly study guides and participate in weekly lectures, tutorials and practical sessions in the simulation laboratory, prosthetic laboratory and clinic.

In-Class tests are station-based tests where multiple stations are set up around the room. During the test you will move from station to station to complete tasks and answer questions. You will be provided with an answer sheet on which to write or draw your answers and additional note paper. You will require pens and photo identification for this assessment. No textbooks or other written material will be allowed in the examination room, as this is a closed-book assessment. Each test will take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.  A practice test with a small number of timed stations will be conducted prior to each In Class test.

 


Assessment Due Date

In Class Test A will be conducted in Week 6 Wednesday 17th April 2024. In Class Test B will be conducted in Week 10 Wednesday 15th May 2024.


Return Date to Students

Results and feedback will be returned within two weeks of completion of each In Class Test.


Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The In Class Test assessment is aligned to the practical skills and knowldge gained in the simulation laboratory, prosthetic laboratory and clinic practical sesions in this unit. All practical procedures and supporting information are outlined in the Workbooks and supported by theory covered in lectures and tutorials and learning resources on moodle . 

The first test (In-Class Test A) will be conducted in week 6 and will test you on the knowledge and practical skills completed in weeks 1 to 5. The second test (In Class Test B) will be conducted in week 10 and will test you on the knowledge and practical skills completed in weeks 7, 8 and 9.

In Class Test A is worth 30% of your final grade and In Class Test B is worth 30% of your final grade. You must gain at least 50% of the combined total to pass this assessment. 

 

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Submission Instructions
An answer sheet and additional paper for notes will be provided. All papers are to be submiited including note paper at the conclusion of the test.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate preclinical skills in the use of dental instruments, equipment and materials in a simulated environment including the techniques for intra-oral and extra-oral radiography.
  • Understand the principles of infection control, workplace health and safety as well as the scientific basis, applications and safe use of ionizing radiation in dental practice.

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

Upon your graduation and throughout your career in Oral Health Therapy, it will be necessary to collect certain documents for your employment such as a copy of your degree, a copy of your registration, your membership of professional organizations, a history of your work experience, continuing education, letters from referees, and special skills, as well as immunization records and results of blood tests for blood borne viruses etc. A collection of documents for your professional life is often called a portfolio. In this assignment you will begin to collect documents for your professional portfolio that demonstrate the development of your clinical skills and achievements as well the necessary documents for your professional practice and registration.

There are three components to this Portfolio. Each component is displayed on Moodle as an assignment in which the task is described in detail: 

  1. Mandatory Requirements: A short list of documents which demonstrate progress in mandatory requirements.
  2. Evidence of Developing Clinical Skills: Includes certificates, visual documentation (photographs and videos) and attendance record.
  3. Dental Radiography Safety Audit: A practical demonstration and assessment of student safety and competence in intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiography.


Assessment Due Date

Mandatory requirements progress tasks are due Friday,14th April 2024. Evidence of Developing Clinical Skills are due Monday 3rd June 2023. Dental Radiography Safety Audit will be conducted 29th May 2024.


Return Date to Students

Progress in the Portfolio assessments will be monitored during the term. Results of assessment in dental radiographic procedures will be returned by Friday 31st May 2024


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

 You must pass all three components of the Portfolio to pass this unit. Each component is Pass/Fail.

 A list of minimum requirements for completion of the mandatory requirments and developing skills can be found on Moodle.

Students will be assessed against criterion-referenced rubric in the Dental Radiography Safety Audit below:


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline Online

Submission Instructions
Practical safety and competency test in dental radiography procedures is submitted offline.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate preclinical skills in the use of dental instruments, equipment and materials in a simulated environment including the techniques for intra-oral and extra-oral radiography.
  • Demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical values and behaviors and communication skills for the dental practitioner.

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online quizzes

Task Description

You will complete two online quizzes.
The first quiz (Online Quiz A) will include short answer, matching and multiple-choice questions and will test your knowledge of the learning material in weeks 1-10. You can prepare for this test by completing the weekly formative practice quizzes. The first quiz (Online Quiz A) opens Friday 10th May 9.00am and closes Monday 22nd May 11.59pm
The second quiz (Online Quiz B) includes short response questions which require a few sentences or a paragraph and will test your knowledge of the learning material in weeks 1-12. To answer the quiz questions, you will need to have access to a number of support documents which will be outlined on your Moodle page in this assessment. To prepare for this quiz you can complete the example questions in the weekly study guide. The second quiz (Online Quiz B) will be available in exam week.
Questions will be randomly generated from a pool of questions. No two students will sit the exact same combination of questions. You are allowed only one attempt for each quiz and must complete the quizzes in a limited time. Your attempts for each quiz will be submitted automatically, but no more questions can be answered once the time limit expires or the quiz closes. Answers to the online quiz questions must be your own work as per CQUniversity Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure and specifically you should not use generative AI to answer the questions either in part or fully. If you are unable to complete the quizzes by the due date, you must apply for an extension before the due date.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Online Quiz A is due 11.59pm Wednesday 22nd May 2024. Online Quiz B will be conducted during the university examination period. You will be advised on the date and time


Return Date to Students

Results of Online Quiz A are made available immediately after the quiz closes. Results of Online Quiz B will be made available on release of grades.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

In Online Quiz A there are 60 multiple choice questions. Questions will be automatically marked correct or incorrect on the completion of the quiz. Online Quiz A is worth 10% of the final grade for the unit. 
In Online Quiz B there are 10 short response questions with multiple parts. Questions will be manually graded. Online Quiz B is worth 30% of the final grade for this unit. 
The combined total for the Online Quiz assessment is 40%. This is a must pass assessment. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of an Oral Health Therapist as a member of the dental team and of the community.
  • Understand the principles of infection control, workplace health and safety as well as the scientific basis, applications and safe use of ionizing radiation in dental practice.
  • Demonstrate appropriate professional and ethical values and behaviors and communication skills for the dental practitioner.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?