Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in Oral Pathology
Program Objectives
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Oral Pathology) program aims to provide candidates with the knowledge and diagnostic skills required to undertake specialist level histopathological diagnosis of diseases of the teeth, jaw bones, oral soft tissues and salivary glands. In this context the course has the following objectives:
- ensure candidates have a detailed knowledge of the normal anatomy and histology of the teeth, the jaw bones, oral soft tissues and the salivary glands
- ensure candidates have a knowledge of core pathological processes affecting the body at an organ and particularly the tissue level
- provide candidates with a detailed knowledge of the pathology and histopathological diagnosis of diseases affecting the teeth, the jaw bones, the oral soft tissues and the salivary glands
- provide candidates with a clinical perspective to oral disease processes
- provide candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills in relation to tissue handling, processing and report writing
- provide training and experience in research relevant to the discipline
- provide the basis for students to undertake examinations for the Fellowship in the Faculty of Oral Pathology of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).
The discipline of oral pathology is based in the Adelaide Dental Hospital (ADH) and therefore has opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with other dental specialities, particularly the Special Needs and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, both of which have outpatient clinics located at this location. In addition Oral Pathology has close links with the Division of Tissue Pathology at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS).
The University of Adelaide, IMVS, Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and ADH provide a wide exposure of educational opportunities in all aspects of health and science. There is an expectation that candidates will fully avail themselves of these educational opportunities on an individual, rather than on a directed, basis. Numerous local meetings on all aspects of Dentistry including a Head and Neck Cancer Study Group are held throughout the year and candidates are recommended to participate in these.
Research Component
The research component of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Oral Pathology) is designed to:
- introduce students to research and develop research skills
- provide a vehicle upon which they can further develop their critical abilities and analytical skills
- provide candidates with an opportunity to undertake a major scientific project
- demonstrate to candidates the importance of research relative to diagnostic oral pathology and to teaching
- participate in regular research project meetings
- candidates will be expected to give presentations of their research at national and international meetings.
The research projects undertaken vary and range from animal experimentation, epidemiological studies through clinically-based studies to laboratory-type projects and histological research.
Structured Program
Research Methods and Ethics
Intensive block undertaken early in the degree
Seminars
- Two diagnostic oral histopathology seminars weekly in collaboration with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrars and Special Needs Dentistry
- Weekly seminars in topics relating to with general pathologists and trainees at IMVS on selected topics in general histopathology including case presentations
Laboratory and Clinical Rotations
- Rotations in laboratories at IMVS
- Fortnightly attendance in the Oral Medicine Clinic, ADH
- Rotations in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Outpatient Clinics, ADH
- Attendance at the Head and Neck Clinic, RAH.
Related activities
- Individual histopathology tuition
- Essays, assignments
- Seminars on core topics in Oral Pathology
- Teaching sessions with undergraduates (see below)
Assessment
Assessment Methods
Assessment of the Structured Program in Specialist Oral Pathology involves:
- Continuous evaluation of performance by staff
- Evaluation of assigned essays and seminars
- Completion of logbooks documenting oral and general pathology cases
- Submission of casebook of 10 cases (see below)
- Written and practical diagnostic oral histopathology examinations (including case discussion with examiners)
End of 1st year
- 2 hour written examination in basic pathological principles
End of 2nd year
- 1 hour practical examination in oral pathology (5 cases) plus 1 hour discussion of cases with examiner
- 2 hour written examination in oral pathology
End of 3rd year
- 3 hour written examination in oral pathology
- 3 hour practical examination in oral pathology (15 cases)
Assessment of the Research Project involves:
- Completion of the Core Component of Structured Program
- Annual Review of Progress
- Major Review of Progress
- External examination of the thesis and portfolio
Satisfactory progress will be assessed based on completion of goals set at the beginning of the candidature including satisfactory completion of examinations.
Casebook (based on requirements for casebooks recommended by the RCPA)
Each case will comprise discussion and clinicopathological correlation of selected oral and (at least 1) general pathology cases. Each report will be no more than 10 pages (single spaced type) and include a bibliography of up to 30 references. Each report will include high quality photographs or illustrations (as appropriate) of macroscopic and microscopic findings as well as include a critical appraisal the cited literature.
Teaching Commitments of Candidates
- Candidates will be involved in presenting lectures in Oral Pathology to third and fourth year undergraduate BDS students from their second year of candidature.
- Candidates may be involved in the supervision of up to six laboratory sessions or tutorials in oral and general histology (second year BDS undergraduates).
- Candidates will assist in marking tests and examinations.
Available Resources
Educational & Clinical
- Full University of Adelaide and IMVS library resources including Medline access.
- Access to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Diagnosis clinics and Special Needs Clinics, Adelaide Dental Hospital.
- Access to Head & Neck Clinic, Royal Adelaide Hospital.
- Access to case notes and archival histopathology slide collections in Oral Pathology.
- Access to IMVS pathology case files.
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