Cariology

Knowledge

The student can describe:

• tooth development and dental developmental disorders and histopathology in relation to normal status and disease in the dental hard tissue
• the function of the oral ecosystem, including the importance of diet and saliva composition, in connection with oral health
• the importance of general health, psychological factors, medication and lifestyle in connection with oral health/ disease
• dry mouth associated with disease, medication, abuse and radiotherapy and diagnosis, evaluation and possible treatment / symptom relief
• traditional clinical, radiographic and modern caries diagnostic methods and diagnosis of different hard tissue injuries such as dental caries, tooth wear, tooth erosion and developmental disorders and their causes, prevention and the possibility for reparative and prophylactic treatment / symptom relief
• principles and methods for chemical and mechanical plaque control and the mechanisms of fluoride and fluoride therapy in the preventive treatment and possible negative effects of fluoride therapy
• principles and indications for preparations, selection, use and handling of materials and the complications of caries therapy, restorative failures as well as indications for repair/changes of dental restoration
• the cause of discoloration of teeth and possible treatment choices including principles of aesthetic dentistry treatment based on ethical considerations
• interpret caries epidemiological data

Skills

The student knows how to:

• obtain relevant medical history
• conduct clinical, radiological and other necessary examinations (such as saliva tests and dietary history)
• make diagnoses and keep dental records
• make an overall assessment of the patient, evaluate disease activity and development
• prioritize treatment needs, plan and implement cause-oriented adequate preventive and reparative therapy
• evaluate the results of treatment, evaluate disease progression and recall intervals
• recognize her/his own limitations and know when to consult/refer the patient for appropriate treatment
• communicate with patients, dental- and health- professionals in an proper way

General competence

The student holds a positive and responsible attitude towards preserving the natural dentition in the best possible way, both functionally and aesthetically.