Preamble

Dentistry is a small component of the undergraduate and post graduate medical curricula, however many patients with oral disease seek advice from their doctor. Problems include dental pain, abscesses, avulsed teeth and fractured jaws. Some patients associate the concept of dental treatment with negative emotions (ie. fear), and doctors are generally seen as caring professionals who might provide reassurance and guidance (Kingon, 2009)

Solving dental problems often requires operative treatment which doctors cannot provide. Options may seem limited to antibiotics and analgesics, however neither treatment may be effective, and antibiotic treatment may be inappropriate. This article aims to provide practical advice to doctors regarding patients with dental problems (Kingon, 2009)

Common dental problems such as acute pain, bleeding tooth sockets, and trauma are rarely life threatening but are time consuming for the medical practitioner and require immediate solutions. The availability of dental care predicates whether a GP is required to provide some of the services usually provided by dentists. Therefore for many rural GPs there is a needs to be a greater awareness and skills in this area.

Scope

This module is designed to cater for the both learning needs of GP registrars using the RACGP and ACRRM Curriculum. The former will be more focussed on the needs of city based GPs while the later will be broader to support the needs of GP registrars working in more remote locations. There are 2 levels of the program- level I for urban and rural registrars using the RACGP Curriculum and level II for ACRRM registrars who plan to work in more remote area. There will be an emphasis on the diagnosis and early management of dental problems seen in the primary care location.  Level I For all GP registrars

o Attend an evening introductory session on dental health eg Evening Training meeting-run by a medical

o Field visit: Visit to DHHS public dental service for 1 hr.

Objectives: a) Observe the general approach to dental symptoms used by dentists b) Observe how a dentist examines the mouth and teeth c) Increase skills in the physical examination of common mouth problems especially dental abscess, gingivitis, periodontal disease and other swellings. In the south contact the placement co-ordinator Ms. Sarah Wells - sarah.wells@dhhs.tas.gov.au to make the necessary arrangements, feel free to make contact directly with her.

o Various references and resources hyperlinked to this module

Level II For ACRRM GP registrars

 

ACRRM learning Objectives from the ACRRM primary Curriculum See http://www.acrrm.org.au/downloads/Primary%20Curriculum%202.pdffor more details

4.14.1 CONTEXT

Prior learning and experience

Medical school studies in head and neck anatomy, physiology and pathology

Concurrent learning and experience

One week clinical attachment in dental clinic or dental practice

Associated areas of study

Anaesthetics, Emergency Medicine, Children and Young Person’s Health, Surgery

4.14.2 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The candidate will have:

- The ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal conditions of mouth and jaw.

- Developed the necessary knowledge and skills to manage dental pain in absence of a dentist.

- Developed the necessary knowledge and skills to provide early management in relation to orofacial trauma that optimises dental outcomes for the patient.

- Developed the capacity to work with others and to utilise the talents and skills of other health care professionals in making specific management decisions.

- The ability to reflect on their care and management of patients with dental emergencies and to use this to improve professional practice.

- to be competent in the following skills:

• Diagnosis of oral pain

• Effectively administer dental blocks

• Apply a temporary dental filling

o RRMEO dental Modules

A newly launched ACRRM online module is a direct response to member requests for guidance on how to confidently handle dental emergencies. Developed by respected NSW dentist and educator, Dr Tony Skapetis, the 3-hour module attempts to demystify the mouth so that members can describe, document, and manage the more common dental emergencies. Topics include tooth anatomy, intra-oral haemorrhage, dental trauma assessment and classification, and local anaesthetic techniques. The module is ACRRM-accredited for PDP. To enrol, click on Introduction to Dental Emergencies - Online Case Study in RRMEO’s current Educational Inventory list. https://www.rrmeo.com/rrmeo/dls_rrmeo.pl?a=eduinv_activity&acttype=online&actsubtype=rrmeo&id=acrrm_intro_to_dental_emergencies o Dental workshop- Full day including a practical component in Launceston

o 2 day placement at DHHS dental facility in Launceston or Burnie