Occlusion Curriculum

Introduction

The curriculum in occlusion has didactic, pre-clinical and clinical components. In the first, second, and third quarters of the first year, students learn dental anatomy, fundamentals of occlusal contact, mandibular movements, and become familiar with the semi-adjustable articulator. Diagnostic casts are mounted, and procedures for occlusal equilibration and functional waxing are performed. In the third quarter of the second and third years, students learn to distinguish normal from pathologic occlusion, gain further understanding of the multidisciplinary aspects of occlusion and oral function, and are introduced to concepts of diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders. At the beginning of the fourth year, the students produce mounted casts of each other and construct an occlusal splint on these casts. These splints are delivered and adjusted under faculty supervision.

Clinically, students must be able to evaluate a patient's occlusion during the treatment planning process. Any patient requiring prosthodontic treatment must have mounted study casts to evaluate the patient's occlusion and any potential occlusal disharmony. There are no specific clinical requirements for occlusion. The core courses in occlusion provide foundational knowledge, laboratory skills, and some clinical skills. However, competency is not specifically evaluated in the core occlusion courses beyond the written examination and laboratory performance. Each discipline augments and advances a student's understanding in managing occlusion. Competencies for management of the occlusal aspects for oral care are indirectly assessed by these specific disciplines. Cross-referenced UAB School of Dentistry Competency Statements include diagnosis and treatment planning (5c, 6a-c), operative dentistry (15a-e), fixed prosthodontics (16a-c, 16e-f), removable prosthodontics (17a-d, 17f-g, 18c-f), orthodontics (24a-g) and pediatric dentistry (14a-b). These assessments may include clinical performance, case-based competency exams, and/or clinical competency exams.

Core Courses in Occlusion Curriculum

1367 Introduction to Occlusion
Presented in the first, second, and third quarters of the freshman year, basic occlusal concepts and procedures are introduced by both laboratory and didactic components. In the fall, the student is familiarized with static and dynamic occlusion, the dental articulator, and functional waxing. During the winter quarter, clinical activities of alginate impressions and facebow transfer are performed by each student on a classmate. The related laboratory activities of diagnostic articulator mounting with an arbitrary facebow are completed. Concluding in the spring quarter, static and dynamic concepts of occlusion are applied to occlusal equilibration. Evaluation is by written examination and grading of laboratory exercises. Preclinical laboratory module leaders are calibrated and grading of functional wax-ups and dentoform equilibration are completed by the student's module leader and the course master. The grade for the 2000-2001 academic year is determined by two exams each counting 25% of the grade. The three laboratory exercises will count 16.7% each.

2335 Occlusion I
Presented in the spring quarter, this course introduces concepts of dental occlusion, joint anatomy, muscles of mastication, occlusal correction & rehabilitation, interocclusal records, anterior guide tables, and articulators. Additionally, occlusal correlations with various specialties of Periodontics, Orthodontics, and Restorative Dentistry are discussed. Disorders of the masticatory system are presented including parafunctional habits and a brief introduction to temporomandibular disorders. Evaluation is by two written examinations each counting 50% of the final grade.

3364 Occlusion II
This course is divided into two parts. Part I consists of didactic, clinical, and laboratory sessions given during the Junior Clinic Orientation prior to the fall quarter. These sessions review clinical and laboratory procedures for diagnostic impressions, jaw relation records, and use of the dental articulator for mounting casts. Part II (spring quarter) introduces concepts of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of temporomandibular disorders and occlusal parafunction. Evaluation is by a graded laboratory exercises (5%), a midterm examination (45%), and final examination (50%).

4137 Occlusion III
This course is offered during the fall term and comprises of didactic, clinical, and laboratory components. In a two-day summer clinic, the senior student is exposed to the theory and practice of occlusal therapy appliances. Students will obtain alginate impressions, mount casts in centric relation, and fabricate a full coverage maxillary stabilization splint. The splints will be delivered and clinically adjusted in the fall quarter. Evaluation is by clinical and laboratory graded exercises (85%) and a written take-home examination (15%).