Integrated Course in Occlusion
Faculty of Dentistry
National University of Singapore
Course Coordinator - A/P Keson B C Tan, Department of
Restorative Dentistry
Course Faculty
Assoc. Prof. Keson BC Tan
Dr Tan Hee Hon
Dr Frank Lee
Dr Christopher Quek
Dr Teh Kiat Siong
Dr Michael Lim
Dr Elvin Leong
Dr Teo Juin
Wei
Dr Wong Kuan Yee
Dr Sophia Yee
Dr Tay Koong Jiunn
COURSE OVERVIEW
The original theories of occlusion ( 'clusion' = closing, 'oc' = up ) have centered around a completed act. With great emphasis on physiology and the recognition of psychophysiological disorders, these static anatomic approaches have been given way to a much broader and more dynamic conceptual viewpoint which embraces all the functional, parafunction and dysfunctional interrelationship that exist amongst the components of the stomatognathic system - as a result of contacts between occlusal surfaces of the teeth. This contemporary definition includes psychological as well as physiological aspects of function and dysfunction. Thus the field of occlusion is mainly involved with the careful study of the interactions among the three components (i.e. the dentoperiodontal complex, the craniomandibular articulation and the neuromusculature) and their consequences. Occlusion has thus been referred to as stomatognathic orthopedics, i.e. that branch of dentistry specifically dealing with the presentation and restoration of the function of the stomatognathic system, its articulations and associated structures.
The subject of Occlusion appears to have had its genesis in Prosthodontics and then to have matured in Orthodontics as well as Periodontics and is fast finding its basis in Anatomy and Physiology. Many different theories of Occlusion exist, each claiming 'scientific' reasoning for their inception and at the same time promising astonishing clinical rewards in order to promote their acceptance. Because of this, the subject has met with much enthusiasm, ridicule, emotion and controversy. The conspicuous lack of a single unifying concept and different terminologies have resulted in the propagation of confusion.
The Faculty of Dentistry, in step with most dental schools in the United States and Scandinavia, has moved towards making the teaching of occlusion an integral and vital facet of the undergraduate curriculum by conducting the Integrated Course in Occlusion.
The course is conducted in 3 successive modules, each with its own set of OBJECTIVES.
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