Basic dental principles

Module DENTAL HYGIENE

The dental student must be able to distinguish the characteristics of health and oral diseases and the risk conditions of adult and pediatric patients. The aim of this course is also to acquire the student's ability to possess knowledge on dental prevention techniques and systems and to gain ability in the clinical application. The student must acquire theoretical knowledge, practical skills for home and professional oral hygiene.

In particular, the student will have in-depth knowledge regarding the etiopathogenetic factors of bacterial plaque, calculus, caries, and periodontal pathology. The dental student must also develop knowledge in the field of oral and periodontal diagnostics and instrumentation aimed at maintaining oral hygiene.

Classroom-taught lessons and lectures. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Specific teaching objectives

• Elements of anatomy and oral physiology
• Communication with the patient aimed at motivating oral hygiene. Health Promotion on Food, Oral Hygiene, Periodic Controls, Fluoroprophylaxis.
• Knowledge of dental and periodontal instruments, it's management and reordering, use techniques, knowledge of cross infection control systems.
• Outlines of etiology, pathogenesis and the most prevalent forms of periodontal disease. Recognition of clinical and radiographic parameters of major diagnostic interest. Basic concepts and advanced procedures related to non-surgical periodontal instrumentation.
• Elements of anatomy, histology and periodontal microbiology - The biofilm
• Professional oral hygiene techniques: Causal therapy in periodontology: objectives, tools, and techniques of employment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the diagnostic and prognostic parameters recorded in the periodontal portfolio
• Work ergonomics and operator positions
• Radiological morphology and radiological anatomy: detection of recessions, forceps, dental mobility
• Classification and use of mechanical instruments, mechanism of action and technique of use.
• Periodontal probing techniques and use of the periodontal probe, detection of irregularities of the root surface using the Explorer probe, detection of furcations using the Nabers deputed probe; Integration of clinical and radiological data
• Periodontal debridement techniques with manual tools
• Periodontal instruments with mechanical instruments: sonic and ultrasonic instruments; mechanism of action; instrumentation technique.
• The motivation for oral hygiene in adults and children
• Oral hygiene items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, interdental tools, and brushing techniques
• Plaque control chemicals: periodontal mouthwashes and gels
• Instrumentation: scaling and polishing
• Adjuvant agents in the non-surgical periodontal therapy
• Dentinal hypersensitivity: clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approach
• Information and motivation of the patient at home oral hygiene Information and motivation of the patient for professional oral hygiene
• Cary pathology in the child and the adult etiopathogenetic aspects

• J. Lindhe, T. Karring, N.P. Lang, Parodontologia clinica e implantologia orale - 6a ed. Edi Ermes 2016.
• Valletta-Bucci-Matarasso, Odontostomatologia.  Edizioni Piccin 1998.
• E. M. Wilkins, La Pratica Clinica dell'Igienista Dentale. Edizioni Piccin, Padova, 2000. 
• L. Strohmenger, R. Ferro, Odontoiatria di comunità. Edizioni Masson, Milano, 2003.
• F. Gombos, R. Serpico, Clinica Odontoiatrica e Stomatologica - Testo-atlante a colori di patologia e medicina orale per medici e odontoiatri. Edizioni Piccin, 2006.