Society and Health 1B

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

This subject comprises 3 modules:

Research Methods: Scientific enquiry, quantitative and qualitative research methods and design; data collection and sampling methods; an introduction to data analysis and display; searching and using the literature; critical evaluation of published research and an introduction to evidence based practice.

Community Oral Health: The influences of socio-demographic, cultural and economic factors on oral health; dental health delivery systems and planning processes incorporating an introduction to epidemiology, utilisation and accessibility, quality of oral health services; and an examination of the roles of oral health therapists in improving the oral health of the community.

Applied Behavioural Science: The theoretical foundations to psychosocial problems; orofacial attractiveness; self identity and social functioning; behaviour management techniques; anxiety; fear and phobia; patient and parent management; and theories of learning.

On completion of this subject the student should:

(1) Comprehend:
a) the basic concepts of community and social structures and the implications for health and oral health;
b) the relevance of psychology and human development to the broader field of health care, teaching and learning and dental practice;
c) the principles of management of relationships with patients and carers.

(2) Demonstrate:
a) the ability to
• plan and present written communications incorporating a respect for enquiry, scholarship and intellectual integrity;
• consider oral health care in a holistic fashion which takes cognizance of the social, cultural and economic environment in which people live;
• retrieve and critically appraise research relevant to oral health therapy practice;
b) effective skills in electronic retrieval, library searching, electronic mail, the use of Blackboard multimedia programs and Internet resources.

(3) Appreciate the:
a) range of differing healthcare needs of individuals and groups within the community and diversity of the methods needed to provide them;
b) responsibilities of dental hygienists, dental therapists, and other members of the dental professions in addressing the oral health needs of individuals and the community; and
c) value and application of evidence based practice.

1) One written assignment of no more than 1500 words on Community Oral Health to be submitted on completion of lecture program (25%);
2) one written assignment in Applied Behavioural Psychology of no more than 1000 words to be submitted mid-semester (25%);
3) one 2-hour examination at the end of second semester covering: Research Methods & Applied Behavioural Psychology (50%)

Students do not need to pass Section 1 to pass the subject.
Students do not need to pass Section 2 to pass the subject.
Students do not need to pass Section 3 to pass the subject.
HOWEVER AN OVERALL ASSESSMENT MARK OF 50% IS REQUIRED TO PASS THIS SUBJECT.

• The developing person through childhood and adolescence (KS Berger), Worth, 2003
• Health in Australia: Sociological Concepts and Issues (C Grbich (ed)), 2nd edn, Prentice Hall, 2004
• Behavioural Sciences for Dentistry (G Humphris and MS Ling), Churchill Livingstone, 2000
• Achieving Oral Health: The Social Context of Dental Care (G Kent and R Croucher), Wright, 1998
• Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences (S Polgar and S Thomas), Churchill Livingstone, 2000

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Planning and presenting
• Critical appraisal of research papers
• Multimedia
• Value and application of evidence