Denturist Sciences (DEND)

DEND 1101  Credits: 1.5  
Professionalism 1  Total Hours: 30  
This course introduces students to the ethics, jurisprudence, regulation and scope of the Denturist profession. Students learn interpersonal skills and inter-professional collaboration as well as principles of critical thinking, problem-solving, self reflection and peer evaluation. Students practice communication skills applicable in situations relevant to denturist practice.
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1102; DEND 1103; DEND 1104; DEND 1105  
DEND 1102  Credits: 4  
Applied Head & Neck Anatomy 1  Total Hours: 80  
This course provides introductory and foundational knowledge of normal orofacial and dental structures relevant to the denturist. Students become familiar with the boundaries, structures and landmarks within the oral cavity. Dental tooth anatomy relating to aesthetics, functions, locations, alignment and coding of the teeth is studied. Students learn about the function of the periodontium of the teeth and identify the role that each component plays in the functioning unit. Tooth development is discussed in relation to enamel, dentin and pulp formation. Properties of enamel, dentin and pulp are identified and changes in relation to age and disease are described. Students use radiographic images to recognize normal anatomical structures.
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1101; DEND 1103; DEND 1104; DEND 1105  
DEND 1103  Credits: 6  
Complete Dentures 1  Total Hours: 140  
This theory and practical course introduces students to the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to successfully fabricate a complete removable denture. Students are able to apply knowledge of current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis and infection control to their work in the Denturist Lab.
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1101; DEND 1102; DEND 1104; DEND 1105  
DEND 1104  Credits: 6  
Partial Dentures 1  Total Hours: 140  
The focus of this theory and practical course is on the concepts, design and fabrication of removable partial prosthetics. Students apply knowledge of current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis, and infection control to their work in the Denturist lab.
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1101; DEND 1102; DEND 1103; DEND 1105  
DEND 1105  Credits: 3  
Safe Practice in Denturism  Total Hours: 70  
In this course students learn the theory and the application of infection prevention and control in a Denturist practice setting. The focus is on physical, chemical and personal protective device barriers to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Students learn how specific saliva or blood borne or other dentistry-related pathogen transmission can be prevented or controlled.
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1101; DEND 1102; DEND 1103; DEND 1104  
DEND 1201  Credits: 4  
Professionalism 2  Total Hours: 80  
This course builds on the Term 1 Professionalism course. Using professional standards and guidelines, students create treatment plans. These treatment plans include interprofessional collaboration with other dental professionals. Holistic patient interviewing skills are practiced with a focus on developing professional relationships with clients. The skills of record-keeping, client documentation, information literacy, letter writing and requesting information from dental team members are introduced and practiced.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1202; DEND 1203; DEND 1204  
DEND 1202  Credits: 4  
Applied Head & Neck Anatomy 2  Total Hours: 80  
In this course students identify bones of the skull with emphasis on landmarks of the maxillae and mandible including openings, foramina and canals. Anatomy of the nose, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and the relationship of the maxillary teeth to maxillary sinus is described. The fundamentals of structures and functions of the tongue, salivary glands, orofacial musculature, and the temporomandibular joint are studied. Students use radiographic images of various conditions and diseases to identify normal and abnormal anatomical structures for the purposes of treatment planning.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1201; DEND 1203, DEND 1204  
DEND 1203  Credits: 6  
Complete Dentures 2  Total Hours: 140  
In this course students continue to apply theoretical knowledge to more complex practical activities involving the techniques of complete removable denture fabrication. Students will apply current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis, and infection control to their work in the Denturist Lab.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of Term 1 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1201, DEND 1202, DEND 1204  
DEND 1204  Credits: 6  
Partial Dentures 2  Total Hours: 140  
The focus of this theory and practical course is to build on the concepts of design from Partial Dentures I, improving on the knowledge and technical skills used in the fabrication process of removable partial dentures (RPD) In this course students will develop skills required to design more complex RPD's. Students will develop basic skills to assess the adequacy of natural teeth involved in the design of removable RPD. They will also be introduced to the applications of digital software as it applies to the design of RPD.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 1201; DEND 1202; DEND 1203  
DEND 2101  Credits: 1.5  
Professionalism 3  Total Hours: 30  
This course builds on the previous professionalism courses. Students develop interprofessional communication and collaboration skills with patients in a clinic setting. Holistic patient interviewing, treatment planning, record-keeping including billing, client documentation, information literacy, letter writing and requesting information from dental team members are practiced with a real patient population. There is additional discussion with clients about the costs of the treatment plan.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 and 2 courses  
DEND 2102  Credits: 3  
Oral Pathology  Total Hours: 60  
In this course students study the basic principles of disease process specifically related to the oral cavity, orofacial region and the temporomandibular joint. Structural and functional changes that result from developmental, genetic or pathological conditions are discussed. Cell injury, inflammation, repair processes, along with nutritional deficiencies, bacterial related diseases and systemic conditions with oral manifestations are discussed. Students learn how the human body's response to injury such as inflammation, immune responses and cellular adaptations may affect oral health and denturist interventions. Students use radiographic imagery to identify abnormal anatomical structures.
Pre-requisite(s): All term 1 and 2 courses must be successfully completed  
DEND 2103  Credits: 6  
Clinical Prosthetics 1  Total Hours: 160  
The focus of this course is on patient assessment procedures. Students develop and apply skills in professional conduct, patient communication and clinic/lab asepsis. Clinical applications for clients requiring Removable Partial Dentures will include patient consultation, treatment planning, and post insertion follow up and maintenance, and documentation in the dental treatment record. In addition, students develop skills in the manipulation of final impression materials, registration materials and border molding for final impressions.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 and 2 courses  
DEND 2104  Credits: 6  
Clinical Prosthetics 2  Total Hours: 160  
The focus of this course is on patient assessment procedures. Students continue to develop skills in professional conduct, patient communication and clinic/lab asepsis. Clinical applications for clients requiring Complete Dentures will include patient consultation, treatment planning, intra-oral and extra-oral assessments, preliminary impression procedures, face-bow registration, tooth mobility testing, post insertion follow up and maintenance of the dental treatment record. In addition, students will develop skills in the manipulation of final impression materials, registration materials and border molding for final impressions.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all term 1 and 2 courses  
DEND 2105  Credits: 3  
Case Management 1  Total Hours: 65  
In this course students apply a holistic approach to client treatment. The focus is on cases completed in the DEND 2103 Clinical Prosthetics 1 course. Students reflect on, and integrate previously learned theoretical knowledge and practical skills from complete denture courses. Students present clinical cases from DEND 2103 to their peers, providing the rationale and methodology for choosing the content of their client treatment plan. Students reflect on the difficulties and successes they encountered throughout the entire client treatment process and reflect on ways to improve their practice. In addition students are required to demonstrate ability to compose and manage patient records and maintain confidentiality. Opportunities to role play difficult case scenarios are provided.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 and 2 courses and DEND 2103  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 2101; DEND 2102; DEND 2104; DEND 2106  
DEND 2106  Credits: 2  
Pharmacology  Total Hours: 40  
This course introduces students to the basic principles of pharmacology. Selected drug groups that might be used and that impact denturist treatment are studied in detail. Students will practice obtaining a accurate oral health and drug history to recognize the oral manifestations of both systemic diseases and pharmacological agents in a holistic manner. Emphasis will be placed on prevention of problems by understanding the impact of pharmacological interventions on oral health and denturist clinical practice.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1 and 2 courses  
DEND 2201  Credits: 3  
Business Management  Total Hours: 60  
This course provides an introduction to business management practices that are required to operate a Denturist Practice. Policies and procedures required to provide patient care in a Denturist Lab are addressed.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1, 2, and 3 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 2202; DEND 2203; DEND 2205  
DEND 2202  Credits: 1  
Gerontology  Total Hours: 20  
In this gerontology course students will explore the normal aging process as well as how the aging process is affected by the social determinants of health. How changes of aging affect daily functioning and impact dental health will be discussed. Strategies of how to support aging clients in a Denturist practice are identified.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all term 1, 2 and 3 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 2201; DEND 2203; DEND 2205  
DEND 2203  Credits: 5  
Clinical Prosthetics 3  Total Hours: 135  
In this course, students continue to gain expertise in performing patient assessment procedures. Students continue to develop skills in professional conduct, patient communication and clinic/lab asepsis. Clinical applications for clients requiring both Removable Partial Dentures and Complete Dentures include patient consultation, treatment planning, intra-oral and extra-oral assessments, preliminary impression procedures, face-bow registration, tooth mobility testing, post insertion follow up and maintenance of the dental treatment record. In addition, students develop skills in the manipulation of final impression materials, bite registration materials and border molding for final impressions.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1, 2 and 3 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 2201; DEND 2202; DEND 2205  
DEND 2205  Credits: 3  
Case Management 2  Total Hours: 65  
This course applies a holistic approach to client treatment. The focus is on cases completed in the DEND 2104 Clinical Prosthetics 2 course. Students integrate and reflect on previously learned theoretical knowledge and practical skills from removable partial denture courses and present to their peers the rationale and methodology for choosing the content of their client treatment plan. Students reflect on the difficulties and successes they encountered throughout the entire client treatment process and identify ways to improve their practice. In addition students are required to demonstrate patient record management and confidentiality. Opportunities to role play difficult case scenarios are provided.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1, 2 and 3 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 2201; DEND 2202; DEND 2203  
DEND 2206  Credits: 6  
Community Practicum 1  Total Hours: 180  
In this first community practicum, students apply beginning clinical, laboratory and business skills under the direct supervision of a registered Denturist. Students gain experience in communication, professionalism, financial management, record keeping, and infection prevention and control.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all term 1,2,3, and Term 4 courses DEND 2201; DEND 2202; DEND 2203; DEND 2205  
DEND 3101  Credits: 1  
Professionalism 4  Total Hours: 20  
This course builds on previous professionalism courses with further study of jurisprudence and ethical issues. Students practice maintaining professional relationships with clients and their families while respecting client privacy. Registration requirements of the regulatory college are reviewed. Time management and work life balance is discussed.
Pre-requisite(s): All courses in Term 1, 2,3 & 4  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 3102; DEND 3103; DEND 3105  
DEND 3102  Credits: 4  
Dentures Over Implants  Total Hours: 90  
This course introduces students to foundational principles and concepts of dental implant technology. The emphasis is on an interdisciplinary approach to dental implant treatment for edentulous clients. Knowledge is applied through the design, fabrication, processing and repair of implant supported dentures.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all term 1, 2, 3 and 4 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 3101; DEND 3103; DEND 3105  
DEND 3103  Credits: 3  
Advanced Denturist Practice  Total Hours: 70  
This course allows students to integrate new technologies and practices as they emerge and as legislation and scope of practice change. Students have the opportunity to further develop problem solving and time management skills while completing several laboratory projects.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1, 2, 3,and 4 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 3101; DEND 3102; DEND 3105  
DEND 3105  Credits: 3  
Case Management 3  Total Hours: 65  
This course applies a holistic approach to client treatment. The focus is on cases completed in DEND 2206 Community Practicum 1. Students integrate and reflect on previously learned theoretical knowledge and practical skills from the removable partial and complete denture courses and application of these in Community Practicum 1. Students present clinical cases from their Community Practice 1 experience to their peers, including the rationale and methodology for choosing the content of their client treatment plan. Students reflect on the difficulties and successes they encountered throughout the entire client treatment process and identify ways to improve their practice. In addition students are required to demonstrate how they were able to compose and maintain patient record management and confidentiality. Students have the opportunity to role play difficult case scenarios.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1, 2, 3 and 4 courses  
Co-requisite(s): DEND 3101; DEND 3102; DEND 3103  
DEND 3106  Credits: 6  
Community Practicum 2  Total Hours: 180  
Building on Community Practice 1 and the courses in Term 5, students continue to apply clinical, laboratory and business skills under the supervision of a registered Denturist. Students gain experience in communication, professionalism, financial management, record keeping, and infection prevention and control as well as treatment planning and fabrication of removable dental prosthetics.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1, 2, 3, 4 and Term 5 courses DEND 3101; 3102; 3103; 3105  
DEND 3204  Credits: 3  
Managing a Denturist Practice  Total Hours: 60  
In this course, students develop business skills required as an employee in, or proprietor of a Denturist practice. Students will gain further understanding of the knowledge and skills learned in this course in the Preceptorship.
Pre-requisite(s): All Term 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 courses  
DEND 3205  Credits: 6  
Case Management 4  Total Hours: 140  
This final course in the Denturist Science Program builds on Case Management 1, 2 and 3 courses. Students integrate previously learned theoretical knowledge and practical skills from all complete and removable partial denture courses and application of this knowledge and skills to specific cases in Community Practice 2 and Preceptorship. Students present selected client cases from their Community Practice 2 and Preceptorship experience to peers, including the rationale and methodology for choosing the content of their client treatment plan. Students are required to reflect on peer, mentor and instructor feedback on these treatment plans and presentations, incorporating this feedback and self-reflections into a plan to improve their practice. Students have the opportunity to role play difficult case scenarios as well as review their portfolio, address deficiencies in preparation to write the regulatory examinations.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of all Term 1,2,3,4 and 5 courses and DEND 3204, DEND 3206  
DEND 3206  Credits: 12  
Preceptorship  Total Hours: 360  
This Preceptorship builds on Community Practicums 1 and 2. In a Denturist practice, students apply clinical, laboratory and business skills under the mentorship of a registered Denturist. Students demonstrate the ability to work independently by the end of the Preceptorship. Students have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the following areas: communication, professionalism, financial management, record keeping and infection prevention and control. During the Preceptorship, students complete the requirements of their portfolio as per the expectations of the College of Denturists of British Columbia. VCC faculty advisors collaborate with the preceptor and student to facilitate the Preceptorship experience.
Pre-requisite(s): Successful completion of Terms 1,2,3,4 and 5, DEND 3204