Oral and maxillofacial sciences: an integrated syllabus to deliver professional competence

As Peter Thomson returns to Australia to begin his second term as head of dentistry, and professor of oral and maxillofacial sciences at James Cook University, he reflects on the genesis, organisation and delivery of an integrated, didactic course in oral and maxillofacial sciences. Comprising previously taught ‘stand-alone’ subjects such as oral pathology, oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, medicine and surgery, and dental pharmacology and therapeutics, and firmly based on a student-centred comprehensive dental care model, the integrated course focuses on programme clarity, structure, and the acquisition and assessment of clinically applied knowledge and skills. The efficacy of the oral and maxillofacial sciences programme in delivering the professional competences expected of a newly graduated practitioner by the Australian Dental Council is thus explored.