Degree project in odontological prophylaxis, 15 credits

University Diploma in Dental Hygiene equivalent to 120 credits. For admission to semester 2, at least 20 credits from semester 1 should be approved.

The goal is to get deeper knowledge in the area of odontological prophylaxis. The students should independently be able to identify a problem and based on that, plan and carry out a project. Another aim is, through this project, to develop a scientific and critical approach.

Learning outcome:
The student should after the course:

Knowledge and understanding
- have gained knowledge of relevant theories and methods in the field of odontological prophylaxis and be able to evaluate and understand the implications of these theories.
- be able to search for adequate research and be able to motivate the importance of continued knowledge in the field.
- have an understanding of the research process and the principles and have knowledge about the most important research areas in the field.
- be able to describe the research within the area and how it can affect oral health, general health and wellbeing and how general health can affect one's oral health.

Skills and abilities
- together with a supervisor be able to establish a timetable for the project, and independently be responsible for that the time schedule is followed.
- be able to identify a problem and apply relevant theory and method in their own project and thereby justify their choice.
- independently analyze, relate and discuss the results of the project in relation to existing research
- to argue, discuss and defend their project content and results.
- independently, criticize and provide oral constructive feedback to others' work.

Ability to assess and approach
- understand and follow ethic guidelines and maintain a good research code. The student should also be able to evaluate ethical issues.
- be able to search and critically evaluate literature and research in odontological prophylaxis.
- be able to reflect on their own knowledge and identify fields where deeper is required.
- be able to evaluate and discuss the results from a social perspective, and how it can affect the individual.

The content of the course is constructed in order to develop students' knowledge and scientific skills under supervision and make them be able to complete a project.
Students will demonstrate their independence by writing, presenting and defending a project and to critically examine others' projects by opponent on another project. During the course, students are trained to use a scientific approach to make clear choices and balances to present and comment on their own and others' projects in a careful and critical manner. The course includes scheduled meetings with the supervisor and the final examination seminars.

The project is implemented mostly in pairs with the support of a supervisor. Only under special circumstances can the project be written individually or in groups of three students. Supervision is carried out individually or in groups of 4-6 students. The project is followed up in different parts during supervised scheduled seminars. Peer review of each other's work is carried out on three occasions (oral and written feedback is given), I) introduction, objective, ethical considerations, II) methods and III) results. Students should follow the document "Guidelines for the assessment of exam degree", which is the Karolinska Institutet's template for projects, and the assessment template from the course. Students must write a logbook during the work with the project. The examination seminars include an opponent and respondent.

The course is assessed as follows:

- Documented project according to established guidelines, which orally is defended during a examination seminar.
- Oral opposition and written comments on another project.

Mandatory criteria for examination are:
- Participation in all scheduled supervisor meetings.
- Participation in the peer review
- Participation in examination seminars
- Individual written self-evaluation and reflection on own performance and own development

Failed projects will be reviewed and reassessed. An opportunity for examination of the project of opposition will be given at another time during the course. Students have the opportunity of examination at six different occasions.

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the spring semester of 2020. Examination will be provided until the autumn of 2020/spring of 2021 for students who have not completed the course.

The course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.