Course coordinator
Dr Arosha Weerakoon
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- 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. Emphasising patient-centred outcomes, the course explores oral care planning tailored to diverse groups, ranging from individual patients to broader community contexts. Students will engage in designing preventive-focused treatment plans and will learn about the principles of behaviour management in clinical care. 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 as a profession requires clinical skills built on the foundation of being able to understand and connect 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.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
DENT3000
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the DDM program only.
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Arosha Weerakoon
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please refer to Blackboard for updates.
Aims and outcomes
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.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply knowledge of the determinants of health, risk factors, and behaviours that influence health to individual patients, communities, and populations.
LO2.
Describe and critique the relevance of social determinants of oral health to the oral health status of Australians and national priority populations.
LO3.
Apply knowledge of theories and principles of health promotion to the development of evidence-based, public oral health promotion activities.
LO4.
Evaluate strengths and limitations in Australian health systems and regulatory bodies relevant to dentistry, to analyse how these impact on oral health outcomes for the population.
LO5.
Explain the ethical principles and legal responsibilities of dental practitioners which underpin the provision of oral health care to individual patients, communities, and populations in Australia.
LO6.
Describe the principles of efficient, effective, and equitable utilisation of resources, and recognise local and national needs in health and access to appropriate service delivery across Australia's geographical areas.
LO7.
Explain principles of cultural safety in clinical practice, social sensitivity, respect for patients’ differences and autonomy.
LO8.
Design innovative and evidence-based strategies for redressing inequalities in healthcare for populations from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
LO9.
Design, implement and adapt oral care plans and preventive care programs to manage individuals with diverse backgrounds.
LO10.
Recognise and demonstrate interprofessional practice skills including role clarification, team functioning, interprofessional communication, conflict management, collaborative leadership and client-centred care.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
GEMS Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Module (Pass/Fail)
|
Must Pass |
21/02/2025 - 28/02/2025 |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation, Reflection |
Oral Health Promotion Video Pitch
|
10% |
2/04/2025 5:00 pm
Submit assessment via ePortfolio. |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection | Oral Health Promotion Proposal | 35% |
30/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Case Study
|
20% Must Pass |
14/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Policy Submission
|
35% |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm |
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
GEMS Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Module (Pass/Fail)
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- Must Pass
- Due date
21/02/2025 - 28/02/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L10
Task description
The assessment will be completed in the tutorial class. The due date is determined by the class allocation.
This is a team assessment, and all team members are expected to contribute equally to the team’s assessment items during the tutorial. Teams will be assigned prior to the tutorial. There are two (2) parts to this assessment both based upon a client case conference role play that your team will complete during the tutorial class.
Part one requires you to complete a worksheet and will draw on your case conference role play, focusing on role-clarification, team functioning and client-centred care.
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet.
Part two requires you to complete a team reflection on the processes adopted during your case conference role play specifically focusing on interprofessional communication, team functioning, conflict management and collaborative leadership.
Length: The team reflection will be limited to 500 words.
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. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site.
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.
Submission:
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.
Hurdle requirements
This is a Must Pass Assessment item. 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. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site. Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.Submission guidelines
Online submission via the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site prior to the end of the tutorial class.
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.
Students who are unable to attend the module because they are away from Brisbane or ill on the day of the tutorial class, will be given an opportunity to complete the assessment individually.
If you need to request an extension for your assessment task, you must seek approval from the IPCP Coordinator, Dr Ashlee Forster. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require endorsement from the teaching team. Please note that assessments for GEMS IPCP are scheduled for submission during the allocated tutorial. If you are unable to attend, you must apply for an individual assessment task through Dr Forster.
For extension requests, please contact Dr Ashlee Forster at ashlee.forster@uq.edu.au.
Late Submission Policy for GEMS IPCP: 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.
Successful completion of the assessment will enable a PASS grade for the module.
· 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, will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a 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 achieve a Pass grade for the course.
· Students who fail the module who do not complete either the reflective essay nor the teamwork assignment will be awarded a Fail grade for the course (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a Pass, a Fail grade will be awarded).
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Oral Health Promotion Video Pitch
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
2/04/2025 5:00 pm
Submit assessment via ePortfolio.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
Task description
The Oral Health Promotion Video Pitch is a six-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 apply knowledge of social determinants of oral health, 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.
Submission guidelines
See ePortfolio for further submission details.
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 University of Queensland Guidelines for extensions or deferrals of assignments.
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
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
30/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L08, L10
Task description
The Oral Health Promotion Proposal is a 2,500-word written assessment where students design a detailed and evidence-based oral health promotion (OHP) activity for a priority population, with a simulated $15,000 funding proposal. This assessment aligns with the course learning outcomes by requiring students to apply health promotion theories, evaluate social determinants of health, critique 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. Students should refer to BlackBoard for detailed instructions.
Submission guidelines
See ePortfolio for submission instructions.
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 University of Queensland Guidelines for extensions or deferrals of assignments.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Case Study
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20% Must Pass
- Due date
14/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L07, L10
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 apply population health principles, evaluate social determinants affecting Indigenous oral health, and reflect on 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. Student should refer to Blackboard for further details.
Hurdle requirements
This is a MUST PASS assessment tasks. Students are expected to achieve a mark 50% or above to pass.Submission guidelines
See ePortfolio for submission instructions.
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.
Policy Submission
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L08, L10
Task description
The Policy Submission is a 2,000-word written assessment where small groups of students collaborate to critically analyse an existing oral health policy and propose evidence-based recommendations for improving health outcomes in Australia. This assessment aligns with the course learning outcomes by requiring students to evaluate the social determinants of health, critique Australian health systems and regulatory frameworks, apply ethical and legal principles, and design innovative strategies to reduce healthcare inequalities. Students will complete the task by structuring their submission into an executive summary, background and context, policy analysis, recommendations, implementation plan, and conclusion. The Course Coordinator will assess submissions based on key criteria, including clarity of issue identification, depth of policy analysis, justification of recommendations, feasibility of implementation, and adherence to academic writing conventions.
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided in ePortfolio
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.
Submissions after 5pm are considered late, and will incur an immediate 10% penalty.
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 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 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 DENT7221 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 |
|---|---|---|
O-week (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Not Timetabled |
Introduction to course & assessment tasks. UQ Extend Module - 1. Introduction to course, Introduction to Course Handbook, Assessment Tasks & the Ethical use of AI. 2. People and Health Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Course and Assessments. Sub-activity: UQ Extend & LearnUQ: 3. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Social Determinants, Sociological Imagination, Priority Populations, Health Behaviours and Health Promotion Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 4 Introduction to Priority Populations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L07, L08 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Domestic Violence (Online - TBC) Sub-activity: UQ Extend: Health Behaviours & Health Promotion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Workshop Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 5 Health Behaviours & Health Promotion |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Oral Health Promotion (Online) Sub-activity: UQ Extend 6: Motivational Interviewing & Smoking Cessation |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
Communication for Success Sub-activity: UQ Extend 7. Public Policy & Creating Change Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L07 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Public Policy (Online) Sub-activity: UQ Extend: Professionalism & Ethics in Clinical Practice |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Professionalism in Clinical Practice Learning outcomes: L05 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Public Policy for Creating Change Sub-activity: UQ Extend: 9 The Australian Oral Health System |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Classes this week Sub-activity: UQ Extend: Sustainability in Oral Health |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Problem-based learning |
Case Studies: Round Table Discussion (putting it all together) |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Sustainability in Oral Health Q & A Learning outcomes: L06, L08 |
Additional learning activity information
Please refer to Blackboard for updated timetable, lecture and workshop 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
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: