Course Title: Construct ceramic and fixed restorations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: DENT5871C

Course Title: Construct ceramic and fixed restorations

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5387 - Diploma of Dental Technology

Course Contact: Luke Scarica

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 0312

Course Contact Email: luke.scarica@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to take a tooth shade and construct ceramic and fixed restorations.

This unit applies to work in dental technology.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTDET011 Construct ceramic and fixed restorations

Element:

1. Take tooth shade

Performance Criteria:


1.1 Read and interpret work order

1.2 Provide full details of the procedure to the patient or carer where appropriate

1.3 Obtain and document consent following ethical and legal requirements

1.4 Consider the accuracy of natural and artificial light

1.5 Position the patient correctly for the procedure

1.6 Consult patient regarding requirements and aesthetic outcomes

1.7 View mouth to gain overview of procedure.

1.8 Select technique and prepare equipment and materials for tooth shade recording

1.9 Implement standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection

1.10 Instruct patient on participation during the procedure

1.11 Select tooth shade and consult patient regarding findings, and gain acceptance

1.12 Document the tooth shade

1.13 Discuss any follow-up procedures with the patient

Element:

2. Prepare sub-structures

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Read and interpret the work order

2.2 Design and form substructure

2.3 Process the substructure

2.4 Assess substructure for accuracy and appropriateness

2.5 Prepare the bonding surface of the substructure if required for porcelain build up in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Element:

3. Select, apply and process ceramics

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Select appropriate ceramic for substructure or restoration

3.2 Apply procedures to selected ceramic for substructures or restoration

3.3 Process the restoration in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Element:

4. Trim, shape and finish ceramic restoration

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Trim the ceramic restoration to required anatomical shape

4.2 Finish the ceramic restoration to meet clinically accepted standards

4.3 Evaluate the quality of the finished restoration

4.4 Decontaminate the ceramic restoration according to infection control guidelines

4.5 Dry the ceramic restoration, place on model and place in a sealed container for dispatch and record completed work order


Learning Outcomes


On completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Take tooth shade
  1. Prepare sub-structures
  1. Select, apply and process ceramics
  1. Trim, shape and finish ceramic restorations


Details of Learning Activities

Theory: Knowledge material required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role.

This includes knowledge of:

  • • Australian/New Zealand Standards, workplace health and safety (WHS) policies, Dental Board of Australia guidelines on infection control, Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation and organisation policies relating to dental laboratory work
  • • fundamental oral anatomy including:
    • - dentition – arrangement of the teeth, naming and coding of teeth
    • - structures of the oral cavity related to crown and bridge structures
    • - teeth form and function
    • - occlusion
  • • tooth preparation including basic cementation techniques of restorations
  • • dental ceramic restorations
  • • properties of different restoration and substructure materials
  • • ceramic bonding to substructures
  • • composition and properties of dental ceramics
  • • processing ceramic restorations
  • • causes of common faults during construction
  • • critical issues and techniques for taking tooth shades including:
    • - effects of aging, tooth wear and staining on shade
    • - colour
    • - rationale and objectives for taking shades
  • • social, cultural and psychological factors affecting patient perception and acceptance of tooth shade
  • • factors which influence selection of tooth shades
  • • physics of light refraction including properties of materials used in aesthetic restoration

Practical: Dental Laboratory exercises/activities.

There must be evidence that you have:

  • • read and correctly interpreted work order for the following 4 fixed restorations
  • • fabricated the following 4 ceramic restorations using standard precautions and safe work practices to a standard that is suitable for insertion in the mouth:
    • - 1 maxillary or mandibular anterior crown
    • - 1 maxillary or mandibular posterior crown
    • - 1 anterior veneer
    • - 1 posterior inlay
  • • critically evaluated the work produced to meet technical laboratory and patient requirements including:
    • - shade of the ceramic matches the work order requirements
    • - fit of the restoration is accurate
    • - restoration is of an appropriate anatomical form, shape and surface finish
    • - restoration is free of faults
    • - restoration provides the correct occlusion and articulation
    • - proximal contact areas are in contact with the contact areas of the adjacent teeth.


Teaching Schedule

2025 Semester 2

WeekSession DateTopicAssessment / Learning activities

Week 12

Session 1

06/10/25 A/B

08/10/25 C

Ceramics and Fixed Restoration

Coping Design & Theory

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Practical Activity: Coping Design (CAD) & Manufacture (CAM)
11 to mill in Zirconia
(16 completed in Crown and Bridge)

CAD/CAM Logbook Exercise 6

Theory Activities: PowerPoints
Ceramics - Theory 1
Ceramics - Porcelain Build Up

Practical Activity 2: PFM - Porcelain Fused Metal Crown Buildup
Logbook Exercise 2 & 3

Step by Step Demo (AM & PM)
Trim/prepare coping for ceramic buildup.

Degass/oxidise, opaque wash/opaque, shoulder margin

Session 2

07/10/25 A/B

09/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Theory Activity: PowerPoint
Ceramics - Shade Taking (AM)

Practical Activity 1: Take a Tooth Shade (AM)
Logbook Exercise 1

Practical Activity 2: PFM - Porcelain Fused Metal Crown Buildup
Logbook Exercise 2 & 3

Step by Step Demo (AM & PM)

Week 13

Session 3

13/10/25 A/B

15/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Continue Practical Activity 2: PFM - Porcelain Fused Metal Crown Buildup

Logbook Exercise 2 & 3

Session 4

14/10/25 A/B

16/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Continue Practical Activity 2: PFM - Porcelain Fused Metal Crown Buildup

Logbook Exercise 2 & 3

Week 14

Session 5

20/10/25 A/B

22/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Demo Wax Up Veneer & Inlay (AM)

Practical Activity 3: Ceramic Veneer & Inlay EMAX

Logbook Exercise 6 & 7

Session 6

21/10/25 A/B

23/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Demo Veneer & Inlay - Sprue, Invest, Burnout and Press (AM)

Continue Practical Activity 3: Ceramic Veneer & Inlay EMAX

Logbook Exercise 6 & 7

Week 15 Session 7

27/10/25 A/B

29/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Demo Veneer & Inlay - Sandblast, Cut, Finish (AM)

Continue Practical Activity 3: Ceramic Veneer & Inlay EMAX

Logbook Exercise 6 & 7

Session 8

28/10/25 A/B

30/10/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Demo PFZ Buildup - Porcelain Fused Zirconia (AM)

Practical Activity 4: PFZ - Porcelain Fused Zirconia Crown Buildup

Logbook Exercise 4 & 5

Week 16

Session 9

05/11/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Demo PFZ Buildup - Porcelain Fused Zirconia (AM)

Practical Activity 4: PFZ - Porcelain Fused Zirconia Crown Buildup

Logbook Exercise 4 & 5

Session 10

06/11/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Knowledge Assessment - In Class (Open Book) (AM)

*Please bring laptops/ipads

Practical Assessment Review (PM) Completion of Logbook Activities

Pour Up Models

Week 17

Session 11

10/11/25 A/B

12/11/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

A/B CLASS

Knowledge Assessment - In Class (Open Book) (AM)

*Please bring laptops/ipads

Practical Assessment Review (PM) Completion of Logbook Activities

Pour Up Models

C CLASS

Practical Assessment

Session 12

11/11/25 A/B

13/11/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Practical Assessment

Week 18

Session 13

17/11/25 A/B

19/11/25 C

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

A/B CLASS

Practical Assessment

C CLASS

Practical Assessment Resit

Session 14

18/11/25 A/B

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

A/B CLASS

Practical Assessment

Session 15

19/11/25 A/B

Session times:
AM 9:30am – 12:30pm
PM 1:30pm – 4:30pm

A/B CLASS

Practical Assessment Resit



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

You must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that you have:

• read and correctly interpreted work order for the following 4 fixed restorations

• fabricated the following 4 ceramic restorations using standard precautions and safe work practices to a standard that is suitable for insertion in the mouth:

- 1 maxillary or mandibular anterior crown

- 1 maxillary or mandibular posterior crown

- 1 anterior veneer

- 1 posterior inlay

• critically evaluated the work produced to meet technical laboratory and patient requirements including:

- shade of the ceramic matches the work order requirements

- fit of the restoration is accurate

- restoration is of an appropriate anatomical form, shape and surface finish

- restoration is free of faults

- restoration provides the correct occlusion and articulation

- proximal contact areas are in contact with the contact areas of the adjacent teeth.

To be deemed competent you must demonstrate an understanding of all aspects required of the competency.

Regular attendance is necessary.

Assessment methods have been designed to measure your achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over multiple tasks and consist of theory and practical based tasks.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Assessment
The theory assessment will include short answer questions and diagrams as required.

Assessment Task 2: Practical Assessment
Due: 17/06/25
During your practical assessment you will be required to construct and critically evaluate four ceramic restorations and take a tooth shade.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

Resubmissions:

Students are allowed two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate competency for the required skills. If an assessment is not submitted by the due date, or you do not attend a practical assessment, regardless of whether it is a first or second attempt, you must apply for special consideration within five (5) working days. If your application is approved, you will be permitted to complete the assessment task at a later date. Without approval for special consideration, you will receive a "Not Yet Competent" (NYC) grade for that assessment.

A Supplementary Assessment may be granted at the discretion of the Program Coordinator or Program Manager, following discussions with the teacher and/or Course Advisory Committee. Factors such as class attendance (80-100% requirement), class participation and communication with the teacher will be considered.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.

Other Information

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.

It is strongly advised and expected that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Class attendance of less than 80% of the class exercise sessions may negatively impact any possibility of additional submissions (see also above in “Assessment Tasks: Re-submissions”).

If you attend late to a lab/clinic/practical teaching session you must wait to be allowed entrance to the lab/clinic as this can pose a WHS issue, especially if specialised equipment is being used and demonstrated. Teachers are permitted to not allow you to use equipment if formal training has been missed, if this happens you must request a meeting with the teacher and program coordinator to discuss moving forward.

If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to apply for special consideration. The special consideration department will ask you to provide a medical certificate or give other evidence to support your request. Once Special consideration has been applied for the students will wait for the result and then contact their teacher on the outcome.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days to your Program Coordinator through your Canvas Course Shell one working day BEFORE the due date. Please provide evidence and /or valid reasonings why you were unable to complete the submission on time within this email. Extensions cannot be guaranteed if evidence or valid reasons are not given. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview