DOH303 Oral Community Health 3 (16)

This subject forms the capstone for the community oral health strand of the course and introduces students to research and advanced topics in community oral health. Students will investigate the ways in which evidence is generated from research and how it is used to inform current oral health practice, in doing so they will gain an understanding of different research methodologies and associated data analysis techniques particularly as they apply to public health. Students will also cover advanced concepts of public health and the role of oral health therapist within public health and their contribution to improved community health outcomes. Students will develop advanced knowledge in models of health behaviour, cultural competency and how this can be applied in clinical and community settings. This subject will also cover transition to practice and how graduates can act as advocates for individuals and communities.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is restricted to students in the Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene)

Prerequisites

DOH200 and DOH204 and DOH210 and BMS291 and BMS292

Incompatible Subjects

DOH313, DOH321

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to apply an in-depth awareness of social and environmental issues at both the local and wider level and their impact on oral health and how dental practitioners effect change for vulnerable communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • Be able to develop working relationships with other professions working in health and human services where applicable and describe their contribution to the health disciplines
  • Be able to critically evaluate policies, programs, methods and strategies used in public dental health over the last 50 years and their impact on today's oral health
  • Be able to review, critique and apply evidence based oral health research within a range of contexts
  • Be able to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and exploring social justice, participation and empowerment issues as it relates to oral health research
  • Be able to determine and apply respectful and supported practices which demonstrate cultural competency
  • Be able to apply models of theory and evidence for inducing behaviour changes to benefit oral health or general health
  • Be able to reflect on their role as agents of change within the profession and community

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Research methodolgies and their application to community oral health
  • Sociological determinants of oral health and application of key health promotion strategies to improve high-need individuals and communities
  • Barriers to appropriate, accessible and affordable oral health care in regional and high-need communities
  • Oral health therapy and public health policy
  • Advocacy and leadership in oral health therapy practice
  • Oral health promotion and the importance of health promotion evaluation
  • Advanced knowledge in construction of health theory and models of behaviour change
  • Transition to practice

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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