Course coordinator
Dr Arosha Weerakoon
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- 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.
Dentistry isn’t just about clinical skills—it’s about understanding and connecting with people. In this course, you’ll learn how to enhance patient engagement and build meaningful professional relationships by understanding the broader social context that influences oral health. Designed with real-world applications in mind, this course equips you with skills you’ll use daily in clinical practice, while also preparing you to navigate ethical, professional, and policy-driven challenges.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will:
- Social Determinants of Oral Health: Appreciate the relevance of social determinants of oral health to the oral health status of Australians and national priority populations.
- Health Promotion: Apply knowledge of theories and principles of health promotion to design evidence-based public oral health promotion initiatives.
- Health Systems: Describe the structure of oral health systems in Australia and discuss how this impacts on oral health outcomes for Australians.
- Ethics and Legal Responsibilities: 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.
- Resource Utilisation and Service Delivery: Understand the principles of efficient, effective and equitable utilisation of resources, and access to appropriate service delivery across Australia.
- Cultural Safety and Sensitivity: Understand the importance and application of cultural safety to clinical practice.
- Communication: Communicate effectively, responsibly and professionally.
Why This Course Matters for Your Future
Your role as a dentist goes beyond treating individual patients—it involves understanding the populations you serve and navigating the professional and ethical landscape of dental practice. This course will provide you with the tools to:
- Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients from diverse and underserved populations.
- Engage with Australia’s national priority populations, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with cultural sensitivity and respect.
- Advocate for change by designing prevention and health promotion projects for underserved communities.
- Locate your contributions within the broader Australian oral health system and understand the regulations that govern your practice as a student and future practitioner.
This course blends public health principles with professionalism, ethics, and communication strategies to prepare you for a fulfilling career as a dentist. By the end of DENT3000, you’ll develop into a better clinician but also a more informed, compassionate, and well-rounded professional.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Arosha Weerakoon
Dr Nicole Storman
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.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation | Oral Health Promotion Pitch Video | 10% |
2/04/2025 5:00 pm
|
| Essay/ Critique | Oral Health Promotion Proposal | 35% |
30/04/2025 5:00 pm
Additional instructions are available via Blackboard |
| Essay/ Critique |
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Case Study
|
20% Must Pass |
14/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
35% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Oral Health Promotion Pitch Video
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
2/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L07, L08
Task description
The Oral Health Promotion Video Pitch is a two-minute individual video presentation where students propose a targeted oral health promotion (OHP) activity. This assessment aligns with the course learning objectives by requiring students to appreciate the social determinants of oral health, and health promotion theories, and health system limitations to design an evidence-based intervention for a priority population. Students will complete this task by recording a video outlining their proposed OHP activity, including its rationale, implementation strategy, and expected impact. The assessment will be marked by the Course Coordinator based on criteria such as issue identification, application of health promotion theories, evaluation of social determinants, feasibility of implementation, and communication effectiveness. The passing requirement is achieving a satisfactory or higher rating across the key marking domains, with scoring tiers ranging from unsatisfactory to exemplary performance in each criterion. Students should refer to Blackboard for further details.
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.
As per UQ guidelines: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
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.
Submissions after 5pm are considered late, and will incur an immediate 10% penalty.
Oral Health Promotion Proposal
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
30/04/2025 5:00 pm
Additional instructions are available via Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The Oral Health Promotion Proposal is a 1000 word written assessment where students design a basic evidence-based oral health promotion (OHP) activity for a priority population, with a simulated $5,000 funding proposal. This assessment aligns with the course learning outcomes by requiring students to apply health promotion theories, appreciate social determinants of health, describe health system limitations, and design innovative interventions for underserved populations. Students will complete it by structuring their proposal into four sections: rationale, design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring their activity is well-researched, feasible, and impactful. The Course Coordinator will assess submissions based on criteria such as identification of the priority population, application of social determinants, justification of methods, feasibility of implementation, budgeting, evaluation strategy, and communication quality.
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.
As per UQ guidelines: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
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.
Submissions after 5pm are considered late, and will incur an immediate 10% penalty.
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Case Study
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20% Must Pass
- Due date
14/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The ATSI Peoples’ Health Case Study is a 1,000-word reflective essay that requires students to critically analyse an Indigenous health case study, focusing on cultural safety, social determinants of health, ethical responsibilities, and inter-professional collaboration. This assessment aligns with the learning objectives by encouraging students to appreciate population health principles and social determinants affecting Indigenous oral health, and demonstrate understanding of culturally safe and ethical practices in dentistry. Students will complete the task by discussing their role as a dental practitioner in addressing the oral health needs of a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), integrating strength-based approaches and Indigenous health promotion principles. The Course Coordinator will assess submissions based on key criteria, including clarity of introduction, depth of reflection on cultural safety, evaluation of social determinants, application of ethical and legal responsibilities, discussion of inter-professional collaboration, and communication quality. This is a must-pass assessment, meaning students must achieve a satisfactory or higher rating across all marking domains to progress in the course
Hurdle requirements
Must Pass. Student must achieve 50% or above to pass this assignment.Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
As per UQ guidelines: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
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.
Submissions after 5pm are considered late, and will incur an immediate 10% penalty.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
- A 90 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.
- 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 | 90 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.
As per University of Queensland Guidelines. https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-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 more than one hurdle requirement |
| 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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students will have access to a variety of learning resources, including 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 meetings featuring 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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 2 (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Not Timetabled |
UQ Extend: Module 1 Introduction to course, assessment tasks; Module 2 People & Health You will be able access the introduction to this course, assessment tasks, the ethical use of AI in assessment and the first learning module for this course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction to Course and Assessment Tasks Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Social Determinants, Sociological Imagination, Priority Populations, Health Behaviours and Health Promotion. Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 4 Priority Populations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L08 |
Week 5 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Domestic Violence (Online - TBC) Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 5 Health Behaviours and Health Promotion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L08 |
Week 6 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07, L08 |
Week 7 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Oral Health Promotion (Online) Sub-activity: UQ Extend: Motivational Interviewing & Smoking Cessation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 8 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
Communication for Success Sub-activity: UQ Extend: Public Policy & Creating Change Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L07, L08 |
Week 9 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Public Policy (Online) Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 8 Professionalism & Ethics in Clinical Practice Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Ethics and Professionalism Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L07, L08 |
Week 11 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Public Policy to Create Change (Online) Sub-activity: UQ Extend: The Australian Oral Health System Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 13 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Case Studies: Round Table Discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 14 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Sustainability in Oral Health Learning outcomes: L06 |
Week 15 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
End of Semester Exam Information Session Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, 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 - Students Policy and Procedure
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: