Society and Health 1B

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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, students 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 LMS and Internet resources.

(3) Appreciate:
a) the range of differing healthcare needs of individuals and groups within the community and diversity of the methods needed to provide them;
b) the 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) the value and application of evidence based practice.

One written assignment of no more than 1500 words (25%) - to be submitted on completion of lecture program, one written assignment of no more than 1500 words (25%) - to be submitted mid-semester and one, 2 hour written examination at the end of the semester (50%).

An overall assessment mark of 50% is required to pass this subject.

• The Developing Person Through Childhood and Adolescence, Berger KS, Worth, 2003
• Essential Dental Public Health, Daly B, Watt R, Batchelor P, Treasure E, Oxford University Press, Oxford UK, 2002
• Healthy Mouths Healthy Lives: Australia's National Oral Health Plan 2004-2013. Prepared by the National Advisory Committee on Oral Health for the Australian Health Ministers Conference (AHMC), 2004 Goverment of South Australia.
• Behavioural Sciences for Dentistry, Humphris G and Ling MS, Churchill Livingstone, 2000
• Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, Polgar S and Thomas S, Churchill Livingstone, 2007, 5th ed
• Australia’s Dental Generations: the National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06, Slade GD, Spencer AJ, Roberts-Thomson KF (eds.). AIHW cat. No. DEN 165. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (dental Statistics and Research Series No. 34). 2007

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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