Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a comprehensive program in Oral Structure and Function, designed for students in the Bachelor of Odontology program. This program aims to provide in-depth knowledge of oral structures and their functions, enabling students to understand and describe the development, anatomy, and physiology of these structures.

Program Details

• The program is part of the Bachelor of Odontology, 4th semester, and is mandatory for students in this program.
• The course covers the development, anatomy, and physiology of oral structures, including the mucous membrane, salivary glands, muscles, jaws, and joints.
• Emphasis is placed on communication systems between nerves and effector organs, sensation, saliva secretion, and the interaction of saliva with surrounding tissues, as well as levels of consciousness.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the program, students are expected to:

• Describe the tongue papillae in terms of distribution, localization, and function.
• Explain the functional structure of the oral mucous membrane.
• Describe the basic mechanisms for sensation and pain from the orofacial area.
• Explain the mechanisms underlying jaw and muscle function in relation to opening, chewing, and closing in healthy individuals.
• Describe the basic mechanisms of saliva secretion and the importance of saliva for the oral environment.
• Explain the mechanisms underlying smell and taste sensation.
• Identify oral structures and their variations.
• Observe and evaluate reactions, behavior, and statements based on general sensory physiological principles and special conditions related to oral structures.

Formal Requirements

• The course requires prior completion of Clinical Oral Anatomy and Hygiene (SODB16034U) and the examination in the anatomy of the head, neck, and central nervous system (SODB16032E).

Teaching Methods

The program includes:

• Dialog-based group teaching.
• Lectures.
• Exercises in the clinic and laboratory.

Evaluation

The program concludes with a course certificate and is evaluated through an examination in Oral Structure and Function (SODB16044E).

Workload

The total workload for the program is 115 hours, distributed as follows:

• Preparation: 65 hours.
• Lectures: 16 hours.
• Group teaching: 13 hours.
• Practical exercises: 21 hours.

Course Information

• Language: Danish.
• Course code: SODB16044U.
• ECTS points: 0.
• Level: Bachelor.
• Duration: 1 semester.
• Placement: Spring.
• Course capacity: 80 participants.
• Study board: Odontological Study Board.

Responsible Institute and Instructors

• The program is offered by the Odontological Institute.
• The course is taught by Carsten Eckhart Thomsen.