CODE | RDN2101 | ||||||||
TITLE | Biomaterials | ||||||||
UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
DEPARTMENT | Restorative Dentistry | ||||||||
DESCRIPTION | This study-unit consists of an in-depth overview of the various biomaterials used in restorative dentistry, with an insight into their composition, properties and the manner in which they interact with the oral environment in which they are placed. Study-Unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit it to provide students with the latest knowledge on traditional and more current dental materials, specifically those used in removable prosthodontics and plastic restorative materials used in operative dentistry. This study-unit will provide the students with a sound basis of theoretical knowledge that is required for selecting, applying and maintaining biomaterials in a clinical setting. With this study-unit, students will also be scientifically competent to pursue post-graduate research in dental biomaterials. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe the general principles underlying the mechanical, physical, chemical and biological properties of dental materials; - Classify and compare the different types of materials used in dentistry; - Describe the structure, composition and properties of individual dental materials before and after mixing and placement; - Describe the chemistry of individual materials and their interactions with the human body; - Explain the degradation processes of different materials after placement; - Correlate material properties to the intended clinical application; - Explain safety considerations related to dental biomaterials; - Analyse scientific literature to keep up to date with the rapidly developing field of biomaterials. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Justify selection criteria for all classes of biomaterials used in removable prosthodontics and operative dentistry; - Select the most suitable biomaterials for particular clinical applications; - Anticipate any shortcomings presented by the different biomaterial types when in clinical use; - Offer patient education regarding dental restorative materials; - Perform proper care and maintenance of restorations; - Appraise the scientific literature and base decisions to use newly developed biomaterials on critical evaluation of information provided by manufacturers and other independent sources. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - McCabe, J.F, Walls AWG. Applied dental materials. 8th Ed-1998. ISBN: 0-632-04208-7. - O’Brien, William J. Dental materials and their selection. 4th Ed-2008. ISBN: 9780867154375. - Noort, Richard van. Introduction to dental materials. 3rd Ed-2007. ISBN: 9780723434047. - Mitchell, Christina. Dental materials in operative dentistry. Quintessentials of Dental Practice - 2008. ISBN: 9781850971290. |
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ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-Requisite Study-unit: DNS1106 Co-requisite Study-Units: DNS2100, RDN2102 and RDN2103 A pass in this study-unit is required before registering for RDN3101, RDN3108 and RDN3110. Attendance to scheduled sessions, inclusive of lectures/tutorials, practical, laboratory and clinical components is compulsory. Students who do not attend at least 90% of the scheduled sessions will not be allowed to sit for any of the assessment components mentioned below. |
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STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Practicum | ||||||||
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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LECTURER/S | Adrienne Busuttil Dennis Cutajar Monique Cutajar Bertram Mallia David Paul Mifsud Maria Vella Mario Joseph Zarb |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |