Clinical Dentistry
A Practical Educational Course in a New Clinical Environment leading to a
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CLINICAL DENTISTRY
(P.G. Dip.Clin.Dent.) From Trinity College Dublin.
Entry to the current series of modules for the Diploma in Clinical Dentistry is closed. The programme will be re-evaluated again in 2013.
A word from the Director of the Continuing Dental Education Programme.
Although the School of Dental Science at Trinity College has been involved in continuing dental education for many years, the majority of courses and conferences have been lecture-based. The demand for places on the School’s evening course, which is now in its thirteenth year, demonstrates a genuine interest in continuing education from the profession. However, the huge popularity and success of those practical courses which have been run emphasise the need for this type of learning method. The opening of the new Dublin Dental Hospital has, at last, afforded us the opportunity and the facility to run “hands-on” courses for general practitioners in a state-of- the- art clinical environment.
This Diploma is awarded by Trinity College and is registerable with the Dental Council. It is also recognised by RCSI as fulfilling the CDE requirements for both the Dental Council and the MGDSRCSI examination.
The practice of Dentistry can be isolating, especially for those with single-handed practices. There have been enormous technical advances in recent years, yet keeping up-to-date can be very difficult. Only so much can be learned from lectures, journals and books. The very practical nature of contemporary dental practice demands courses which will allow practitioners to learn these new practical skills.
In setting up this diploma course the guiding principal was that it should be predominantly “hands-on”. As Director of the Continuing Dental Education programme I am grateful to colleagues, who have put in so much hard work, thought and suggestion and in particular to the course co-ordinators who have had the considerable task of devising and running the individual modules.
The areas of contemporary practice covered will include:
| Adhesive Dentistry | Oral Medicine |
| Removable Prosthodontics | Dental Alveolar Surgery |
| Fixed Prosthodontics | Paediatric Dentistry |
| Periodontology | Special Care Dentistry |
| Endodontics | Dental Radiology |
| Implant Prosthodontics |
THE DIPLOMA COURSE
Course description
The course is open up to 32 participants. There will normally be a participant to tutor ratio of 4:1.
The course has a modular format, each subject being taught as a separate module and each module will contain 8 participants. The modules will run on Tuesday afternoons for eight consecutive weeks between 2 and 5pm. This format will be reviewed prior to the next intake of participants.
At the end of each module there will be a 6-8 weeks break before the next set of modules commences. Thus the course will run three times a year starting in October, January and April. Participants will be expected to complete 3 of the modules per year, and must complete SIX within TWO years. Applicants who register with Trinity College at the commencement of the course and successfully complete 6 modules within the 2 years will be awarded a Diploma in Clinical Dentistry. Prior registration with Trinity College is a prerequisite to obtain a Diploma.
Registration will occur through the postgraduate application centre automated system (www.PAC.ie)
In this intake it has been decided to also allow applicants to complete single or multiple modules. Registration with Trinity College for individual modules is not a requirement. Students who complete single modules are not eligible for a diploma. Individual modules are approved by the Irish Dental Council for verifiable Continuing Professional Development (CPD). If an applicant chooses to complete individual modules, these modules may not be used in retrospect.
Preference will be given to participants who are registered for the diploma in cases of oversubscription of any particular module.
In order to maintain the quality and academic standard of the modules, there will be an assessment phase, largely clinically based, which participants are required to pass. We have been careful to ensure that the assessment method is sympathetic to the postgraduate standing of the participants. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE’s) will be an integral part off the assessment methods. It is similar to the ‘spot’ or ‘bell-ringer’ examination now used routinely in the undergraduate examinations at the School. Successful completion of a module allows for the award of a credit towards the Diploma. If a student is unsuccessful in an OSCE a supplemental examination will have to be passed.
We are anxious to offer a degree of choice to the course participants. Participants are invited to select six of the eleven modules offered. All efforts will be made to ensure that participants will be able to undertake their chosen courses, but we reserve a degree of flexibility according to demand for the individual modules.
Practicalities of the Course
Although some of the courses have a format where a new technique is learned on phantom head, treatment will also be undertaken on patients. Participants are expected to supply patients for treatment from their own practices and provide continuing care for them. The patients will have to be screened for suitability by the course tutors and this usually involves a diagnostic and treatment planning stage. Those courses where participants must supply patients are; Fixed Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Adhesive Dentistry.
For some courses it may be necessary to purchase equipment, such as an adjustable articulator, if you do not already have one.
Although there will be two nurses from the Dental School available in each clinic, participants who expect 1:1 Dental Nursing are required to bring their own practice nurse who should attend the induction course for nurses. A hepatitis B antibody level certificate is also required of dental surgeons and nurses.
Requirements for enrolment on the course:
Candidates who undertake modules involving patient contact and/or treatment will normally be required to have:
- Registration with the Dental Council of Ireland.
- Current personal professional indemnity insurance.
Cost
The cost of the course including registration and module / course fee will be updated prior next intake of applicants.
The Selection Process for the Diploma Course
The Steering Committee feels that the only fair means of selection, in the event of oversubscription, is by random selection.
Three of the Committee members will draw the names from the pooled applications by lot, together with substitutes.
Preference will be given to those who want to register for the diploma compared to those who want do single or multiple modules without registering.
The Continuing Dental Education Committee feel that this is an exciting initiative, which fills a vacuum in the area of postgraduate professional development. I am very pleased with the progress of the course so far and would urge you to talk to the past participants if you are considering an application.
DR. FRANK QUINN M.Dent.Sc., FDSRCPS
Director Continuing Dental Education
THE CORE COURSE AND REGISTRATION
The core course will consist of five sessions. Elements of the core course will be reinforced at various times in the individual modules.
The Core course consists of didactic and practical elements. These include:
- Cross-Infection Control in contemporary dental practice. A practical session which introduces you to the operation of the dental equipment in the clinical areas in which you will be working and the Dental Hospital Infection Control Operational Policy.
- Interpretation of scientific data and statistics. This introduces you to the concept of critical reading of scientific literature and interpretation of some of the reading material which will accompany each module.
- Use of the Library and IT facilities. An introduction to the Library services available within the School and the use of the Library computers for information access.
- Medical emergencies in dental practice. A lecture on medical emergencies and the Hospital Protocol, followed by a demonstration of the emergency kits and a practical on cardio-respiratory resuscitation.
- An orientation and induction session in the hospital clinic. This includes familiarisation with the school’s other written operational policies (prophylaxis for endocarditis, management of patients with latex allergy, etc.).
MODULES
1. Adhesive Dentistry
Course Co-ordinator: Dr F Quinn, BDentSc, MDentSc, FDS RCPSGlas
Aims:
Participants will be introduced to the basic physical and chemical concepts of Adhesion. They will develop an indepth knowledge of the nature of dental hard tissues. Participants will also develop an understanding of the current adhesive restorative materials and techniques. An understanding of the barriers to clinical bonding will be developed which will focus upon the constraints placed on bonding by the substrates and restorative materials. Finally participants will develop an objective evaluation of both clinical and scientific evidence presented for new adhesive materials and techniques.
Objectives:
Participants will become competent in the application of adhesive techniques to the direct restoration of posterior teeth. An introduction in the use of layering techniques for anterior aesthetic composite restorations will be included, with a manikin based exercise. Finally, participants will have the necessary tools for evaluation of the clinical performance of direct tooth coloured restorative materials and resin bonded prostheses.
Course Outline:
The module in Adhesive Dentistry will run every Tuesday from 2pm until 5pm and will run for eight weeks up to three times a year depending upon practitioner demand
Assessment:
For the duration of this Course a logbook will be used to encourage a means of self-assessment for participants. At the completion of the module, the participants should be able to assess the appropriate adhesive application, undertake minimally destructive preparations, use their chosen adhesive system correctly, and understand the general limitations of the systems. OSCE’s will also be used as a method of assessment.
Tutors
Dr. Frank Quinn
Dr. Patrick Crotty
Dr. Seton Menton
2. Removable Prosthodontics
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Anne Gundermann, DDS, MS
Aims:
Participants, after completing this module, will possess increased confidence in treating elderly edentulous patients. Participants will also develop competency in the diagnosis and treatment planning for such patients including implant options.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to diagnose the presenting problems and evaluate treatment options for patients including their suitability for implant retained prostheses and will be able to outline the aims and the objectives of potential treatment plans.
Participants will contribute to treatment that will be carried out on a live demonstration patient. Established treatment principles will be followed including the selection and use of available impression materials; appropriate impression techniques; the use of facebow transfer records and articulators; and tooth selection and positioning. Attention will be given to standards required of the laboratory and at chair-side. Finally, post insertion care, including common causes of failure of implantretained prostheses will be addressed.
Course Outline:
This module will run every Tuesday from 2pm until 5pm for eight weeks and will run up to three times a year depending upon practitioner demand.
Equipment:
No extra equipment is needed for this module, and a course manual will be provided.
Assessment:
The course will be assessed by means of Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
Tutors
Dr. Paul Quinlan
Dr. Anne Gunderman
3. Fixed Prosthodontics
Course Co-ordinators: Dr Colm Sugrue, BDS. MS. and Dr Ray McCarthy, BDS NUIrel FDS RCSEng MSc ULond MRD RCSEdin
Aims:
The course in Fixed Prosthodontics will provide participants with knowledge and understanding of the modern principles of fixed prosthodontics and will encourage confidence in the application of these principals to their routine practice.
Objectives:
The participant will become familiar with the assessment of teeth for Fixed Prosthesis, Restorative History, Endodontic Assessment, Bone Support, Periodontal Condition; Prosthesis Type and Location; Single units, Bridgework, Metal, MetalCeramic, AllCeramic and occlusion. Participants will also gain knowledge in Margins Types: shoulder, chamfer, bevel and location: relationship to periodontal health.
Participants will gain knowledge in Tooth Reduction in particular a pattern that can be followed to ensure adequate reduction; impression making; jaw relation record and occlusal record; shade taking and laboratory communication; provisional restoration; fitting the prosthesis and maintenance.
Course Outline:
This module will run every Tuesday from 2.00- 5.00pm for eight weeks. It is anticipated that this course will run for up to three times a year depending upon practitioner demand.
Equipment:
It will be necessary for participants to have the use of a suitable semi-adjustable articulator and facebow for this module.
Assessment:
Participants will be expected to complete Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).
Tutors:
Dr. Colm Sugrue,
Dr. Ray McCarthy
Dr. Patrick Crotty
4. Periodontal Therapy
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Paul O’Reilly BDentSc, MDentSc MS (N. Carolina)
Aims:
The module in Periodontal Therapy will provide the practitioner with a clinical “hands on” periodontal programme. On completion of the programme, the practitioner will have gained experience in the examination, diagnosis and management of patients with periodontal diseases.
Objectives:
Practitioners will gain knowledge of periodontal tissues in health and disease. They will also have gained knowledge of local and systemic factors in the aetiology of periodontal disease. They will be competent in full mouth periodontal examination techniques/screening. The concept of record taking as carried out in the periodontal clinic will be introduced. A Case analysis will be developed based on the results of the examination. Familiarity will be developed with various instrumentation / instrument techniques including an introduction to computerisation of records and radiographs.
Participants will be familiarised with the re-evaluation phase, based on indicators of disease activity as well as gaining knowledge of chemical plaque control in re-evaluation of treatment; local and systemic; specific and non-specific.
Participants will get an introduction to the stages of treatment and will carry out both non-surgical and surgical treatment. They will also be able to establish an appropriate long term treatment plan related to maintenance.
Finally participants will develop an interdisciplinary approach to treatment planning in the periodontally compromised patient, related to endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral medicine, oral surgery, implants etc.
Course Outline:
The participants will assess, diagnose and make a treatment plan for two patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis / early onset periodontitis. They will treat one patient themselves. Both patients will be re-evaluated by the dentist and a long term supportive periodontal therapy plan devised. They will treat patients over an eight week period from 2pm until 5pm every Tuesday. The course will run up to three times per year depending upon Practitioner Demand.
Assessment:
Procedures used will be Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and a logbook. The logbook will essentially concentrate on one case presentation.
Tutors:
Dr. Paul O’Reilly
Dr. Spencer Woolfe
5. Endodontics
Course Co-ordinator: Dr John Dermody, BDS (NUI), MS (U.Maryland), FFD RCSI Diplomat American Board of Endodontics
Aims:
To improve the participants proficiency and efficiency in Endodontics in particular clinical handson Endodontics, but also in the areas of Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning.
Objectives:
The course is specifically designed to introduce the participant to various methods of instrumentation, obturation, and working length determination, so that the participant can modify and adapt his own techniques or commence to use a technique de novo. Common problems such as the curved canal, ledging, etc., will be managed and the above techniques applied to the relevant clinical situation.
In the initial weeks the cases to be completed will be more elementary in order to practice these techniques. More difficult cases will be introduced and the selected technique or techniques of the participant utilised in each case. In the final weeks of the course the participant will be encouraged to choose the type of case or techniques he or she wishes to develop further. This will include rotary techniques of the participant’s choice. Participants will be required to provide their own rotary files. Motors are3 available on the clinic floor.
Course Outline:
This module will run every Tuesday from 2pm until 5pm for eight weeks. It is anticipated that this course will run up to three times a year depending upon practitioner demand.
Assessment:
Participants will be assessed by competency of clinical technique (phantom head). There will also be an academic assessment of biological basis of endodontics. Finally case assessment and treatment planning
Tutors:
Dr. John Dermody
Dr. Maria Jennings
Dr. Johanna Glennon
6. Oral Medicine
Course Co-ordinator: Prof. Stephen Flint MA, PhD, BDS, FDS RCSEng, FFD RCSI, MBBS(Hons) FICD, FTCD
Aims:
The aim of this course is to make the general dental practitioner aware of the different disease processes which can occur intraorally, particularly in relation to the soft tissues and to give the practitioner an update/revision on dealing with emergency situations as they may arise in the dental surgery.
Objectives:
On completion of this course it is anticipated that the participants will be able to demonstrate a systematic and logical approach to oral examination; demonstrate an awareness of normal findings, variations of normal and pathological appearances in the oral cavity; use their skills to start an oral cancer screening programme in their practice and demonstrate an awareness of the more common systemic diseases which may manifest intra-orally.
Participants will be trained to look for particular extra-oral manifestations of these same diseases, which may help with diagnosis. They will be able to take a detailed pain history from a patient and arrive at a reasonable differential diagnosis. Participants will competently carry out CPR and be familiar with the procedures following collapse in the dental surgery.
Participants will understand the management of medically compromised patients including those suffering from viral illnesses including Hepatitis B and C and HIV. Finally they will be able to accurately assess what they can deal with in practice and what should be referred.
Course Outline:
This module will run every Tuesday from 2pm until 5pm for eight weeks. It is anticipated that this course will run up to three times a year depending on practitioner demand.
Assessment:
There will be an OSCE on the last practical session.
Tutors:
Prof. Stephen Flint
Dr. Claire Healy
Dr. Dermot Canavan
7. Dental-Alveolar Surgery
Course Co-ordinator: DR. MARY CLARKE
Aims:
The emphasis in this module will be on the practical aspects of routine minor oral surgery in general dental practice with sufficient theoretical instruction to provide a sound basis for safe practice.
Objectives:
This module is intended to provide dental practitioners with the knowledge and skill to provide a basic minor oral surgery service for the patients of their own practice. They should be able to determine suitability of patients for operation in the dental surgery having cognisance of local and systemic factors, which may complicate procedures. They should be able to anticipate problems, which might occur, devise strategies to prevent them occurring and manage them effectively when they do arise.
Practical:
Prior to engaging in procedures on patients, a technique course will be undertaken using suturing boards and models. Each participant will have hand-on exposure to minor oral surgery. It is envisaged that suitable procedures will include removal of roots, and other minor surgical procedures. All necessary instruments will be provided.
Course Outline:
The course will take place on a Tuesday afternoon from 2pm until 5pm and will run for eight weeks. It is anticipated that the course will be run three times a year or according to practitioner demand.
Tutors:
Dr. Mary Clarke
Dr. Gary Leonard
Postgraduate Oral Surgery Trainees
8. Paediatric Dentistry
Course Co-ordinator Dr Anne O’Connell BA BDent Sc MS, Diplomate American Board of Paediatric Dentistry
Aim:
This module will assist the family dentist in providing effective and efficient oral health care for the child patient in such a way as to instil in the patient a positive attitude to the achievement and maintenance of oral health.
Objectives:
The objective for each session is to refresh and enhance skills in diagnosis of disease and in specific common procedures in a child patient. The clinical environment will be used to give “hands-on” experience in diagnosis and practical exposure to clinical techniques. Specific literature will be assigned and interactive discussion will be used to develop knowledge base. Case based learning will be incorporated into each session.
Course Outline:
The module will run every Tuesday from 2pm until 5pm and will run for eight weeks. It is anticipated that this module will run according to practitioner demand.
Topics covered will include: behaviour management, recognition of disease, restorative options for primary teeth, dental trauma in the child, pulp therapy in primary and young permanent teeth, prevention of dental caries and space maintenance. Diagnosis and treatment of various developmental anomalies will also be discussed.
Assessment:
Each participant will be required to
1. Complete One Case Report – Diagnosis / Treatment Plan in a child patient.
2. OSCE. Eight stations 5 minutes each.
Tutors:
Dr. Anne O’Connell
Dr. Mats Bågesund
Dr. Rona Leith
9. Special Care Dentistry
Course coordinator: Professor June Nunn MA, BDS (Dund), PhD (Ncle), FDS RCS (Edin), DDPH RCS (Eng), FDS RCS (Eng), FFD RCSI, FTCD, FRCPCH
Aims:
The course in Special Care Dentistry aims to give the interested primary care dentist an insight into the management of patients with the more commonly presenting disabilities and medical conditions.
Objectives:
To develop confidence in assessment and treatment planning for people with disabilities and medical compromised and to gain an understanding of different preventive and treatment modalities .
Course outline:
This module will run every Tuesday afternoon from 2-5pm. The topics to be covered will include: medical and dental considerations for people with differing impairments; case assessment and pragmatic treatment planning; consideration of ASA classification and relevance for treatment; adjuncts to care-conscious sedation and GA; treatment protocols; issues around consent and physical interventions; practical prevention for high risk groups; practical case assessment and treatment planning.
Assessment:
Each participant will be asked to present a case report on a patient(s) under their care as well as complete an OSCE on the last session.
Tutors:
Prof. June Nunn
Dr. Caoimhin MacGiolla Phadraig
10. Implant Prosthodontics
Course Coordinator: Dr Frank Houston / Dr. Osama Omer
Aims
The module will provide the participants with a theoretical and clinical (hands on) teaching on implant prosthodontics. Upon completion of this module the participants would have gained experience in assessment, treatment planning and restoring of implants within the context of an overall restorative treatment plan. However, the overall emphasis is on the restorative phase.
Objectives
Learn the fundamental principles and safe practice of implant prosthodontics
Be confident in assessing and drawing treatment plans for implant restoration
Be able to select and identify cases suitable for treatment in general dental practice
Gain suitable practical knowledge to confidently restore simple implant cases in general dental practice
Be able to maintain implant restorations and deal with simple implant cases in general dental practice
Course Outline
It is anticipated that the course will run three times a year on Tuesday afternoons from 2 – 5 pm for eight weeks
Equipment
All patients and necessary clinical instruments for treatment will be provided. However, if participants want to bring their own instruments for treating their own patients in the Dental Hospital they will have to arrange this with the course coordinator and obtain his prior approval
Assessment
Upon completion of the module candidates will be assessed through an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
Tutors
Dr Frank Houston
Dr Colm Sugrue
Dr Osama Omer
Dr Brendan Grufferty
Dr Michael O’Sullivan
11. Dental Radiology
Course Coordinator: Dr Brendan Fanning
Aim
The aim of this module is to reappraise the principles of radiation physics, risks of ionising radiation and radiation protection. It also aims at giving participants an in depth knowledge in diagnostic problems and interpretation of different types of radiographic images routinely used in dental practice.
Objectives
To understand the underlying risks of using ionising radiation
To understand ways of minimising the radiation dose
To be familiar with current legislations relating to use of ionising radiation
To understand the factors that can influence the interpretation of radiographs
To be familiar with recent advances in dental radiology
Course Outline
It is anticipated that the course will run three times a year on Tuesday afternoons from 2 – 5 pm for eight weeks
Equipment
No additional equipment are needed for this course. However, if participants want to bring any radiographs/ cases for discussion they will have to arrange this with the course coordinator and obtain his prior approval
Assessment
Upon completion of the module candidates will be assessed through an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
Tutor
Dr. Brendan Fanning