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Unit of study_

DENT5042: Development of the Occlusion

2025 unit information

This unit introduces the students to basic craniofacial development and interceptive orthodontic techniques. The growth and development component includes an introduction to the study of cephalometrics. The treatment component for the major part is directed towards the mixed dentition. Various techniques will be discussed which include removable appliance therapy, functional appliances and the fixed straight wire techniques. Other topics will include habits and serial extraction and their implications on developing dentition. Emphasis is laid on the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in management of the developing dentitions. An interdisciplinary approach is made to the treatment of craniofacial anomalies. The students will become proficient in the diagnosis of malocclusions in children and predictive growth analyses. They will learn to use removable appliances in interceptive management and fixed appliances for space maintenance, expansion and single arch regimes.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit Discipline of Orthodontic and Paediatric Dentistry
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of normal growth and development of craniofacial structures, normal occlusion, and the aetiology of malocclusion
  • LO2. demonstrate proficiency in undertaking predictive growth analyses
  • LO3. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of principles of tooth movement
  • LO4. demonstrate proficiency in the use of removable and fixed appliances in interceptive management, including management of transverse discrepancies, and anterior and posterior crossbite
  • LO5. understand the indications, contraindications, benefits, and risks of applying space maintenance
  • LO6. advise on the prevention of oral habits
  • LO7. demonstrate an awareness of fixed orthodontic appliances
  • LO8. diagnose and demonstrate an awareness of treatment of malocclusion

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 Early 2020
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Westmead, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.