Course coordinator
Dr Arosha Weerakoon
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Dentistry School
This course provides a foundation in dental public health and professionalism in the practice of dentistry. Topics include oral health promotion, the Australian oral health system, equity and access to care for various groups in the population. Additionally, the course explores principles of behaviour management in clinical care. Professional matters such as ethics, governance and regulation of dental practice in Australia will also be covered. The competency building activities of this course will provide students with learning through the design and production of oral health promotion materials, workshops and a series of case-based virtual patients.
This is the course you will wish you paid more attention to when you finish dentistry and move into practice. Dentistry and the business of dentistry are all about people. Your clinical skills will only get you so far, if you cannot empathetically communicate and engage with your patients and the community you serve, your capacity to practice successfully will be very limited.
This course will enhance your communication skills and improve patient engagement by helping you understand the broader social context of oral health determinants in society. It has been designed with real-world applicable situations in mind. All learning in this course may be applied in practice with your patients in clinical situations, as well as in broad social situations. Understanding the concerns of broader society makes you a well-rounded and successful practitioner and great human being.
This course will introduce you to concepts that underpin broad public health situations and how dental practice is regulated in Australia. Public health practice and practice regulations are universal concerns, regardless of your domestic or international student status.
This course will help you
- Enhance your communication skills by developing an understanding and ability to empathise with people from underserved populations.
- Understand essential tenets of dental public health, particularly the determinants of health.
- Introduce you to and help you engage with underserved national priority populations that are affected by health determinants.
- Help you examine your knowledge and understanding of the influence of history and culture of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- You will enhance your capacity to engage with underserved populations, that include Australian Indigenous people with cultural sensitivity and respect.
- Understand regulations that govern your practice in Australia as a student or fully registered practitioner.
- Appreciate an overview of the current Australian oral health system, and locate your present and future contributions within this system.
- Advocate for change by developing prevention and health promotion project for an underserved population of your choice.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Arosha Weerakoon
Dr Nicole Stormon
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check Blackboard for updates.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
As the first course in Population Oral Health, this course aims to provide an introduction to dental public health, health systems, social determinants of oral health and cultural safety as they are applied in dentistry. This course aims, in conjunction with the clinical courses, to support the ability of the student to provide patient centred care, which is defined by the Australian Dental Council by the following description: "to display cultural and social sensitivity, respect for patients’ differencesﾠand autonomy, diagnose, relieve pain and suffering in an empathic and kind manner, coordinate continuous care, advocate disease prevention and promote a healthy lifestyle in a holistic approach to the individual patient as well as the community".
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Appreciate the relevance of social determinants of oral health to the oral health status of Australians and national priority populations.
LO2.
Apply theories and principles to the development of an evidence-based, public oral health promotion campaign.
LO3.
Describe the structure of oral health systems in Australia and discuss how this impacts on oral health outcomes for Australians.
LO4.
Understand ethical principles and legal responsibilities of dental practitioners in the provision of dental care to individual patients, communities and populations, and discuss the role of the regulatory bodies relevant to dental practice in Australia.
LO5.
Appreciate and advocate for consumer rights, and apply the principles of dispute resolution.
LO6.
Understand the principles of efficient, effective and equitable utilisation of resources, and access to appropriate service delivery across Australia.
LO7.
Understand the importance and application of cultural safety to clinical practice.
LO8.
Communicate effectively, responsibly and professionally in individual and collaborative contexts.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Poster |
IPCP Curriculum Assessment
|
Must Pass |
14/05/2026 - 4/06/2026
Online submission via Learn.UQ IPCP course site. The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course. |
| Essay/ Critique, Product/ Design | Health Promotion: Mars-Wrigley Foundation Healthier Smiles Community Services Grant. | 30% |
Part 1 Due 4/03/2026 1:00 pm Parts 2 and 3 Due 23/03/2026 1:00 pm
Additional instructions are available via Blackboard |
| Essay/ Critique, Role play/ Simulation |
Patient Case Study: AI & peer collaboration
|
30% Must Pass |
13/04/2026 1:00 pm
Part 1 should be submitted to your team/group members by 27 March at 1pm and the final group assessment is due 13 April at 1pm. See Blackboard for details |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
IPCP Curriculum Assessment
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Poster
- Weight
- Must Pass
- Due date
14/05/2026 - 4/06/2026
Online submission via Learn.UQ IPCP course site.
The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course.
- Learning outcomes
- L07, L08
Task description
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for the assessment due date for your team. This is a team assessment. Teams will be assigned during your first tutorial. There are two (2) parts to this assessment:
Part One requires you to complete a poster and will draw on the online and face-to-face content from Modules 4 and 5 and the knowledge and skills you developed from Modules 1 to 3. You will present your poster for peer and tutor feedback in Module 6.
Part Two involves creating a 3-minute video and will draw on the online and face-to-face content from Modules 4, 5 and 6 and the knowledge and skills you developed from Modules 1 to 3.
You will have the opportunity to begin work on each part of the assessment with your team during tutorials and will be expected to spend additional time with your team to complete each task.
Teams will need to submit both parts of your assessment in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site.
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ (IPCP Blackboard site) for further details and requirements for the assessment.
Hurdle requirements
The task is assessed to published criteria that can be found on the IPCP course site. - For students who engage with the module, participate in the group work and submit a genuine attempt but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, there will be a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a course grade will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course. - Students who do not engage with the module, fail to participate in the group work, or do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000-word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded). - Students who fail the module who do not complete either the reflective essay nor the teamwork assignment will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).Submission guidelines
Teams will need to submit both assessment pieces in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site prior to the end of the tutorial class. The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course.
Assessment items are due 2 weeks after the third tutorial at 4pm.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Health Promotion: Mars-Wrigley Foundation Healthier Smiles Community Services Grant.
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Product/ Design
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Part 1 Due 4/03/2026 1:00 pm
Parts 2 and 3 Due 23/03/2026 1:00 pm
Additional instructions are available via Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This assessment develops your ability to address oral health inequities using evidence-based, culturally safe, and feasible strategies. You will work within a realistic grant scenario and produce outputs typical of professional public health submissions (target population rationale, intervention appraisal, logic model, and evaluation approach)
- Part 1 develops population insight and ethical reasoning by requiring you to justify a priority group using determinants of health and equity principles.
- Part 2 strengthens critical appraisal and decision‑making: you evaluate AI‑suggested strategies for feasibility, cultural safety, and system fit, then justify a preferred intervention for a defined community.
- Part 3 consolidates professional practice through structured planning and reflection. It asks you to translate your chosen intervention into an implementable plan, demonstrate systems thinking and evaluation literacy, and explicitly show how feedback informed improvements which are key competencies in accountable, evidence‑based public health practice.
Together, these tasks mirror authentic public health practice and grant preparation, translating theory into actionable, ethical, and system-aware proposals.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Patient Case Study: AI & peer collaboration
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 30% Must Pass
- Due date
13/04/2026 1:00 pm
Part 1 should be submitted to your team/group members by 27 March at 1pm and the final group assessment is due 13 April at 1pm.
See Blackboard for details
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor, Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This task prepares you to navigate complex clinical and public health challenges with confidence and professionalism. The collaborative structure of this task mirrors real-world professional practice, where teamwork and constructive feedback are essential to delivering safe, equitable care. Through iterative reflection and justification, you’ll strengthen your capacity to apply social determinants, health promotion theories, and cultural safety principles to authentic scenarios.
Patient care and management is multi-faceted and complex. Often, our clinical decision-making is influenced by a mix of evidence-based principles, peer support and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated outputs. Yet, the final decision and ultimate responsibility rests on you, the treating practitioner.
This task develops your ability to critically evaluate oral health management strategies and adapt them to diverse patient contexts. By engaging with AI-generated suggestions, peer critiques, and evidence-based principles, you’ll learn to identify cultural, ethical, and systemic factors that influence how we plan for our patient care.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
- A 120 minute exam consisting of different question types including but not limited to multiple choice, short answer questions, short essays and problem-solving covering content from the course delivery.
- Part 1 (60 minutes - 50%) will contains questions related to Cultural Safety Reflection in Practice; Part 2 (60 minutes - 50%)will contain questions related to content covered in Semester 1.
- This is a MUST PASS assessment item (achieve a minimum of 50% of total mark to pass). Supplementary assessment is available for this item (in accordance with PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part J).
- Inspera Assessment will be used for this invigilated on-campus exam.
- Feedback to exams may be requested through the processes as defined by School of Dentistry student services.
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Must Pass. Student must achieve 50% or above to pass this exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of less than 20% |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 20% but less than 45% OR Has failed two or more hurdle requirements |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 45% but less than 50% OR has obtained overall 50% or more but has failed ONE hurdle requirement |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 50% but less than 65% AND has passed all the hurdle requirements |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 65% but less than 75% AND has passed all the hurdle requirements |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall marks of 75% but less than 85% AND has passed all the hurdle requirements |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Attains an overall mark of at least 85% AND has passed all the hurdle requirements |
Additional course grading information
Overall mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number in computing score. For example, 74.50 and above will be rounded up to 75 and 74.49 will be rounded down to 74. This applies to all grade cutoffs except for a grade of 4. The minimum pass mark is 50%, and a pass cannot be achieved with 49.5%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
This is course provides guidelines for the ethical use of AI in learning and assessment tasks.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students will have access to a variety of learning resources, including a course hand book, podcasts, recorded lectures, readings, and interactive UQ Extend modules. In addition, workshops will provide opportunities to explore complex topics through discussions in both small and large group settings.
You will also have access to Zoom meeting recordings and transcriptions that feature special guest expert speakers, offering unique insights into key course themes. Practice questions will be provided during lectures and in-class activities to help you prepare for the standard of questions expected in the summative end-of-semester examination.
All course materials, including those required for classes and assessment tasks, will be accessible through the DENT3000 Blackboard website and UQ Extend, either directly or via internet links.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Workshops Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Not Timetabled |
UQ Extend Modules and Online learning Sub-activity: UQ Extend:Priority Populations & Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Tutorial |
GEMS Module Sub-activity: UQ Extend: Health Behaviours & Health Promotion Learning outcomes: L08 |
Additional learning activity information
Please refer to Blackboard for updated timetable, lectures and workshops information.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: