Module manager: Kara Gray-Burrows
Email: k.gray-burrows@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Successful completion of Year 1 modules
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this second module of the Enquire theme, you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of health and illness at a population level. You will explore epidemiological health trends and apply the psychological, sociological and public health principles taught in year one. You will continue to develop your enquiry skills and understand how research principles support the development of evidence-based practice.
In this module students will explore health and illness at both individual and population levels, applying principles from psychology, sociology, and public health. You will apply social and psychological theories to understand how oral health experiences vary among different population groups, including the barriers and challenges in accessing services.
You will learn about appropriate research methodologies, data analyses, and the implications of data within research contexts. You will develop skills and undertake a critical appraisal of published evidence related to oral health promotion and disease prevention. You will reflect on the healthcare needs of various communities and how dental professionals can engage with and support these communities. This includes developing an understanding of social accountability and considering the health and communication needs of different populations.
The module includes online and in-person lectures, seminars, and a World Café style event. Assessments include critical appraisal of a paper and a written reflective community engagement assessment.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Apply social/psychological theories that explain oral health experiences vary by population group, including the barriers and challenges of accessing services.
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise published evidence in the area of oral health promotion or disease prevention.
3. Explain appropriate methodologies, data analyses and data implications within research.
4. Discuss the health care needs of different communities and how dental professionals can engage with and support them.
Demonstrate inter-personal skills by communicating and reflecting on interactions with diverse groups of the community
AS1 - reflection
SK8 - relationship development
- Basic principles of Epidemiology
- Social trends in oral health UK and Internationally
- Prevention at a population level
- The barriers and challenges of oral health
- Inequalities in oral health experience including marginalised populations and patients with protected characteristics
- Psychology and sociology of Health and Illness across the lifespan
- Introduction to research methods and the evidence base for prevention at a population level
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There is no compensation between elements of summative assessment; each element must be passed. In the event of failure of one or more elements, the module mark will be capped at 40 on successful resit of the failed element(s).
Formative Assessment:
- Critical appraisal of paper
> Students will be introduced to critical appraisal within a teaching session and will have the opportunity to practice using the CASP checklist or equivalent within the session.
> Undertake a CASP on an assigned paper, or papers, and submit a proforma. Generic feedback across the cohort will be provided outlining what was done well and what could be improved along with the correct answers.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Community Engagement written Assessment - 1500 words (Pass/Fail) | 0 |
| Coursework | FORMATIVE: Critical Appraisal | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Community Engagement Written Assessment This assessment will follow the world café style event where students will engage with individuals are from or who work closely with different communities to learn from their experiences. The assessment will be in a structured format to support the students to develop their knowledge and understanding. Formative Critical Appraisal Students will undertake a critical appraisal on an assigned paper, or papers, and submit a proforma. This is to introduce students to writing their Capstone project.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
In-person closed book, online time limited examination.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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