DOCTOR OF CLINICAL DENTISTRY (DClinDent) in Paediatric Dentistry

The philosophy of the Dental School in postgraduate education is to provide students with an opportunity to seek, to interpret and to apply knowledge while developing the skills required of a specialist practitioner.  Thus the doctoral degree programs are designed to provide candidates with advanced training in their chosen specialty, underpinned by an understanding of applied sciences, critical thought and analysis, interpersonal skills and self development.  A major aspect of the program involves students gaining an appreciation of research literature, research methodology, ethics and the conduct of a research project.

1. INTRODUCTION

The University of Adelaide's graduate program in Paediatric Dentistry is of three years duration full-time and leads to the degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry). This is a specific program designed to lead to specialist registration in the field of Paediatric Dentistry. The course is a comprehensive program of national and international standing and is based on specialist training in Paediatric Dentistry from the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. The program is based at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Division of Paediatric Surgery, Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide and is the only Australasian Paediatric Dentistry training program to be based at a tertiary referral Paediatric Hospital. The programme has been developed from the medical model of registrar-based training. Self-motivated and directional learning is fundamental in this model. The advantage of this programme is the availability of extensive clinical experience. Few institutions in the world have access to the extensive range of medical conditions, diseases and anomalies as the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Extensive experience and training in the clinical practice of Paediatric Dentistry is provided to give a sound understanding of the speciality. The course comprises a well balanced mix of didactic coursework, clinical work and a research project.

2. STAFFING

Program Co-ordinator:

Dr Sam Gue

Teaching Staff:

Dr Michael Malandris
Dr Wendy Cheung
Professor Alastair Goss
Dr Michael Nugent
Dr Stephen Badaja
Professor Lindsay Richards
Clinical Professor Geoffrey Heithersay AO
Associate Professor Peter Cathro

3. PROGRAM AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Aims

The DClinDent (Paediatric Dentistry) research program provides training in the clinical specialty of Paediatric Dentistry. It permits the candidate to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in Paediatric Dentistry. The program is designed to facilitate the advanced development of clinical, academic and research skills necessary for a graduate to further a career in academia, research or specialty practice.

Objectives

• To provide a quality education in the specialist field of Paediatric Dentistry
• Provide the scientific basis for successful clinical practice
• Develop an appreciation of scientific and research methodology.
• Develop the necessary advanced clinical skills expected of a Specialist Paediatric Dentist.

4. SELECTION REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree in Dental Surgery or equivalent and have a minimum of two years clinical experience.  In addition, evidence of successful completion of further study by way of RACDS examinations or an honours degree.  Other higher degrees, previous clinical experience in Paediatric Dentistry, continuing education and certificates will also be considered in the selection process.

5. AVAILABILITY OF THE PROGRAM

The number of places available each year in the Paediatric Dentistry program is limited (being dependent upon the availability of funding and resources).

6. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A DClinDent program in Paediatric Dentistry involves a program of study comprising three years of full time research and study.  Candidates must attend such research seminars, research training courses and meetings, coursework tutorials, clinical sessions and other relevant courses as required by the supervisor.  Candidates must prepare a cumulative log summarising the clinical work performed in the principal subject areas for presentation to the examiners at the interim and final examinations.

The program is divided into two principal components:

1.     Structured Program

• Research methods, experimental design and ethics
• Coursework
• Clinical experience

2.     Research

• Research training
• Research project

STRUCTURED PROGRAM

Research methods, experimental design and ethics
A series of lectures, seminars and workshops that provide an introduction to research literature, research methods, critical thought, management of research data, ethics and other topics that are needed to undertake research training.  Presented in an intensive block followed by a series of seminars during the first six months of the program.
Course Work
Students will be exposed to the history of the discipline and will be expected to gain a thorough knowledge of the paediatric dentistry literature.  
Clinical Experience
Clinical work will focus mainly on clinical Paediatric Dentistry, but will also include general medical paediatrics, orthodontics, dental traumatology and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Students will be required to be rostered for 6 clinical sessions per week. In addition all students are required to participate in one undergraduate clinical teaching session per week, and one didactic session each alternate two to three week period, or as indicated by the supervisor.

RESEARCH

Research Training and Research Project
All candidates are required to complete a research project which has some relevance to Paediatric Dentistry. If however, no relevant clinical projects are in progress a research project in a field relating to the major research interests and strengths of the school (Epidemiology or Basic sciences) will be devised. Specific details on research can be obtained from the curriculum.

7. SCOPE

Didactic studies in a range of subjects will be carried out to provide the candidate with sufficient background in the basic biological and dental sciences. Tuition will be provided in the form of lectures, seminars, journal reviews and practical classes. Candidates must satisfactorily complete formal courses in:

• Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
• Common topics in Dental Clinical Science  
• Interdisciplinary Seminars in Clinical Dentistry.

In addition to the above seminars, tutorials and self directed learning programs will require coverage of the following topics:

• Basic Sciences in Paediatrics and Paediatric Dentistry
• Health Education and Promotion and Epidemiology
• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Behavioural science/Patient management – sedation/general anaesthesia
• Preventative Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry
• Orthodontics / Craniofacial, Cleft Lip and Palate
• Dental Traumatology
• Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Children with Special Needs and Medically Compromised Children
• Dental Anomalies and Genetics
• General Paediatric Medicine and Surgery
• Specialist Paediatric Practice Specialist Paediatric Practice
• Dental Practice in Australia
• Personal Professional Development

8.ASSESSMENT OF THE STRUCTRED PROGRAM AND RESEARCH PROGRAM

Detailed summary of the assessment process is contained in the course outline.

General Information

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry - General Information: D.Clin.Dent