Principles of Dental Medicine and Dental Materials 1
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to enable the student to acquire knowledge of the fundamentals of dentistry. In particular, dental hygiene, oral diagnosis principles, dental materials and preventive and community dentistry are introduced.
The dental hygiene module aims to impart to the student the knowledge regarding the tools and techniques to carry out and maintain proper oral hygiene at home, as well as to acquire the skills to transmit these notions to the patient, motivating her/him in order to maintain over time a good level of oral hygiene.
The Oral Diagnosis Principles module provides knowledges about the main pathological conditions of the oral cavity, with reference to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The student will learn about the main oral pathologies and the methodology for their diagnosis.
The module of Community Dentistry aims to provide knowledge on the change that the epidemiology of oral diseases has undergone over the years and the actual health needs of the populations. The student will also have to acquire knowledge on the prevention of major oral diseases at community level.
The Dental Materials module aims to deepen the knowledge of the main dental instruments (dental unit, hand tools) and acquire critical skills in evaluating the different products on the market. The module also aims to address the different materials and instruments used in the main disciplines of dentistry (restorative dentistry, endodontics, prosthesis, oral surgery).
The course also includes two trainings in Community Dentistry and Dental Materials useful in order to consolidate what has been learned in the lectures.
The dental hygiene module aims to impart to the student the knowledge regarding the tools and techniques to carry out and maintain proper oral hygiene at home, as well as to acquire the skills to transmit these notions to the patient, motivating her/him in order to maintain over time a good level of oral hygiene.
The Oral Diagnosis Principles module provides knowledges about the main pathological conditions of the oral cavity, with reference to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The student will learn about the main oral pathologies and the methodology for their diagnosis.
The module of Community Dentistry aims to provide knowledge on the change that the epidemiology of oral diseases has undergone over the years and the actual health needs of the populations. The student will also have to acquire knowledge on the prevention of major oral diseases at community level.
The Dental Materials module aims to deepen the knowledge of the main dental instruments (dental unit, hand tools) and acquire critical skills in evaluating the different products on the market. The module also aims to address the different materials and instruments used in the main disciplines of dentistry (restorative dentistry, endodontics, prosthesis, oral surgery).
The course also includes two trainings in Community Dentistry and Dental Materials useful in order to consolidate what has been learned in the lectures.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student must:
- know the scientific basis of dental hygiene
- know the risk factors of periodontal disease and caries
- know the epidemiology of caries and periodontal diseases
- know and distinguish the main alterations of the oral mucosa
- know the main correlations between systemic diseases and oral diseases
- know the basic dental use equipment
- be competent in collecting data related to oral health
- be competent in education and motivation regarding oral hygiene and correct lifestyles
- be competent in the equipment commonly used in the dental environment
- know the scientific basis of dental hygiene
- know the risk factors of periodontal disease and caries
- know the epidemiology of caries and periodontal diseases
- know and distinguish the main alterations of the oral mucosa
- know the main correlations between systemic diseases and oral diseases
- know the basic dental use equipment
- be competent in collecting data related to oral health
- be competent in education and motivation regarding oral hygiene and correct lifestyles
- be competent in the equipment commonly used in the dental environment
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the anatomy of the oral cavity
Knowledge of physics, and organic chemistry
Basic knowledge of Biology and physiology
Knowledge of physics, and organic chemistry
Basic knowledge of Biology and physiology
Assessment methods and Criteria
The evaluation includes a written consisting in a multiple-choice questionnaire. The test evaluates the knowledge
regarding dental materials (oral exam), and oral diagnosis, oral hygiene and preventive and community dentistry (multiple choice test). No supporting material is required for the test. The result of the test is transmitted through the university's online services. Students may schedule a meeting with the teacher to gain clarity on the errors made.
regarding dental materials (oral exam), and oral diagnosis, oral hygiene and preventive and community dentistry (multiple choice test). No supporting material is required for the test. The result of the test is transmitted through the university's online services. Students may schedule a meeting with the teacher to gain clarity on the errors made.
Foundations of oral diagnosis
Course syllabus
· Introduction to the course: aims and objectives;
· Concepts and introduction to clinical practice, therapy and semiology;
· Methodological principles in clinical examination:
· Anamnestic procedures;
· Clinical inspection and techniques in palpation, percussion and auscultation;
· Clinical examination of the neck and face and head;
· Facial expressions and facial morphologies; the Facies;
· Intra-oral clinical examination;
· Notes on embryology of the oral, head and neck regions;
· Dental embryology;
· Orofacial growth and development;
· Anatomic functional overview of dental elements;
· Introduction to cephalometry and morpho-skeletal diagnosis;
· Pathologies of dental hard tissues;
· Pathologies of dental support tissues;
· Principles of dental diagnosis;
· Classification system of soft tissue pathologies;
· Principles of stomatological diagnosis
· Concepts and introduction to clinical practice, therapy and semiology;
· Methodological principles in clinical examination:
· Anamnestic procedures;
· Clinical inspection and techniques in palpation, percussion and auscultation;
· Clinical examination of the neck and face and head;
· Facial expressions and facial morphologies; the Facies;
· Intra-oral clinical examination;
· Notes on embryology of the oral, head and neck regions;
· Dental embryology;
· Orofacial growth and development;
· Anatomic functional overview of dental elements;
· Introduction to cephalometry and morpho-skeletal diagnosis;
· Pathologies of dental hard tissues;
· Pathologies of dental support tissues;
· Principles of dental diagnosis;
· Classification system of soft tissue pathologies;
· Principles of stomatological diagnosis
Teaching methods
The didactic section includes an introductory part where the basic semiological methods are described to correctly perform a clinical examination of the oral cavity and facial tissues. The embryological principles and physiological dynamics concerning the growth of oral tissues and maxillomandibular structures are also covered. These concepts will be integrated with the growth and development of dental elements. Finally, the semiological methods applicable to dental diagnostics and the clinical procedures necessary for stomatological diagnosis are compared
The course includes lectures in which clinical and histological pictures are presented
The course includes lectures in which clinical and histological pictures are presented
Teaching Resources
Manuale di Patologia e medicina Orale. Giuseppe Ficarra Ed. Mc Graw Hill
Patologia orale. Correlazioni Clinico Patologiche. JA Regezi JJ Sciuba RCK Jordan Ed. Delfino Editore.
Patologia orale. Correlazioni Clinico Patologiche. JA Regezi JJ Sciuba RCK Jordan Ed. Delfino Editore.
Dental materials
Course syllabus
- Material classification: metals, ceramics, polymers, and new hybrid materials.
- Metals: precious and non-precious alloys, steels and alloys for surgical instruments, and advanced superelastic and shape memory alloys. Implantable alloys, properties, role of materials in the prevention of peri-implantitis. Clinical cases of exemplification.
- Modern technologies (CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing) compared to classical techniques. Advantages and disadvantages, current possibilities, limitations, and future directions (biomaterials, personalized medicine for surgery and prosthodontics)
- Classic and advanced diagnostic instruments, using enhanced clinical vision perception through fluorescence techniques, infrared, coherent light, notes on the use of ionizing radiation, and the radiopacity/radiolucency of dental materials. Galilean, prismatic, and operating microscope magnification systems with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Digital photographic documentation and recording systems, brief notes on the principles of field illumination tailored to the function of the surgical intervention being documented, and the main standard recording positions. Exercise on advanced diagnostic aid systems and digital photographic documentation.
- Rotating instruments and high- and low-speed handpieces, reciprocating and oscillating movements. Next-generation induction motors and their use in all branches of dentistry. Technical requirements and differences of a motor for restorative, endodontic, and surgical use. Ultrasonic instruments, operating characteristics, cavitation, notes on piezosurgery. Diamond and blade burs, differences and fields of application. Exercise on rotary instruments.
- Conventional materials for interating with the dental laboratory. Waxes, plasters, main classes of impression materials and their applications. Exercise and practical test on the manipulation of such materials.
- Modern and innovative techniques for interfacing with the dental laboratory. Digital workflow and the role of materials and biomaterials. Comparison with conventional methods, advantages, and disadvantages. Use of chair-side intraoral scanners and their features. Real-time practical demonstration of a completely digital workflow from scanning to design and implementation. Synergies with the dental laboratory.
- Polymerization. Polymeric materials in dentistry. Composite materials. Applications in the various branches of Dentistry, paradigm shifts, and operational protocols. Limits and future directions (antimicrobial, remineralizing, bio-interactive materials). The role of restorative composite materials in the prevention of secondary dental caries. Exercise on the possibilities and limits of the main composite materials currently available
- Classic and modern cements. Bio-interactive cements, hydraulic cements based on calcium silicate. Glass ionomer cements and interaction with the biological and microbiological environment. Exercise on the use of the main classes of modern cements and practical test on manipulation techniques.
- Materials and technologies for the remineralization of dental hard tissues, brief notes on nanotechnologies and the requirements of materials for tissue bioengineering.
- Ingredients of the main classes of dental medical devices, active ingredients, excipients, and formulation notes. Exercise on the recognition and critical selection of the main active ingredients based on clinical needs.
- Personal protective equipment, its functioning and structure, and protection efficacy in the post-COVID era.
- Metals: precious and non-precious alloys, steels and alloys for surgical instruments, and advanced superelastic and shape memory alloys. Implantable alloys, properties, role of materials in the prevention of peri-implantitis. Clinical cases of exemplification.
- Modern technologies (CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing) compared to classical techniques. Advantages and disadvantages, current possibilities, limitations, and future directions (biomaterials, personalized medicine for surgery and prosthodontics)
- Classic and advanced diagnostic instruments, using enhanced clinical vision perception through fluorescence techniques, infrared, coherent light, notes on the use of ionizing radiation, and the radiopacity/radiolucency of dental materials. Galilean, prismatic, and operating microscope magnification systems with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Digital photographic documentation and recording systems, brief notes on the principles of field illumination tailored to the function of the surgical intervention being documented, and the main standard recording positions. Exercise on advanced diagnostic aid systems and digital photographic documentation.
- Rotating instruments and high- and low-speed handpieces, reciprocating and oscillating movements. Next-generation induction motors and their use in all branches of dentistry. Technical requirements and differences of a motor for restorative, endodontic, and surgical use. Ultrasonic instruments, operating characteristics, cavitation, notes on piezosurgery. Diamond and blade burs, differences and fields of application. Exercise on rotary instruments.
- Conventional materials for interating with the dental laboratory. Waxes, plasters, main classes of impression materials and their applications. Exercise and practical test on the manipulation of such materials.
- Modern and innovative techniques for interfacing with the dental laboratory. Digital workflow and the role of materials and biomaterials. Comparison with conventional methods, advantages, and disadvantages. Use of chair-side intraoral scanners and their features. Real-time practical demonstration of a completely digital workflow from scanning to design and implementation. Synergies with the dental laboratory.
- Polymerization. Polymeric materials in dentistry. Composite materials. Applications in the various branches of Dentistry, paradigm shifts, and operational protocols. Limits and future directions (antimicrobial, remineralizing, bio-interactive materials). The role of restorative composite materials in the prevention of secondary dental caries. Exercise on the possibilities and limits of the main composite materials currently available
- Classic and modern cements. Bio-interactive cements, hydraulic cements based on calcium silicate. Glass ionomer cements and interaction with the biological and microbiological environment. Exercise on the use of the main classes of modern cements and practical test on manipulation techniques.
- Materials and technologies for the remineralization of dental hard tissues, brief notes on nanotechnologies and the requirements of materials for tissue bioengineering.
- Ingredients of the main classes of dental medical devices, active ingredients, excipients, and formulation notes. Exercise on the recognition and critical selection of the main active ingredients based on clinical needs.
- Personal protective equipment, its functioning and structure, and protection efficacy in the post-COVID era.
Teaching methods
The teaching in dental materials science will provide the students with state-of-the-art knowledge on the three main classes of dental materials, namely metals, ceramics, and polymers. It will also provide information about impression and luting materials. A specific section will deal with the newest biomimetic and bioactive materials. The teaching will also include practical training on the use of dental materials. An important part will include the knowledge of advanced 3D materials and methods, as the chairside oral scanner, 3d printing and CAD/CAM, with a focus on the digital workflow.
Teaching Resources
Phillips' Science of Dental Materials, Elsevier Saunders 2013
Oral Biofilms and Modern Dental Materials, Springer Nature 2021
Lecture presentation slides
Oral Biofilms and Modern Dental Materials, Springer Nature 2021
Lecture presentation slides
Preventive and community dentistry
Course syllabus
Use of epidemiological indices in community dentistry
Epidemiology of the main oral diseases
Ministerial Guidelines in the dental field
The risk of caries and its assessment with the use of standardized methods
The role of sugars in oral health
Fluoride and dental caries
Caries prevention methods
Maintaining oral health in the "fragile" subject
Epidemiology and classification of dental trauma
Dental trauma in primary and permanent dentition
Prevention of dental trauma
Public Health Dentistry
Demographic ed epidemiologic transition
International cooperation
Public health programs to control periodontal diseases
Epidemiology of the main oral diseases
Ministerial Guidelines in the dental field
The risk of caries and its assessment with the use of standardized methods
The role of sugars in oral health
Fluoride and dental caries
Caries prevention methods
Maintaining oral health in the "fragile" subject
Epidemiology and classification of dental trauma
Dental trauma in primary and permanent dentition
Prevention of dental trauma
Public Health Dentistry
Demographic ed epidemiologic transition
International cooperation
Public health programs to control periodontal diseases
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures, during which, in addition to providing the knowledge of the preventive and community dentistry, clinical cases are presented in order to stimulate the active participation of students in the plenary discussion. All the slides of the lessons are provided to the students. The course also includes a practical training in which students learn to assess the risk of caries using standardized risk assessment methods and to detect the presence of carious lesions and periodontal disease through the use of epidemiological indices of pathology
Teaching Resources
Odontoiatria Preventiva Integrata, Limeback, Editore: Emsi, Edizione: 10/2014 , Volume: Unico ISBN 9788886669955
Traumatologia oro-dento-facciale nel paziente in crescita. Basi scientifiche e pratica clinica. Quintessenza Edizioni, Milano 2009
Traumatologia oro-dento-facciale nel paziente in crescita. Basi scientifiche e pratica clinica. Quintessenza Edizioni, Milano 2009
Dental hygiene
Course syllabus
Introduction to Periodontology
Elements of periodontal anatomy and pathophysiology
Oral hygiene techniques and aids
The use of antibacterial compounds against dental plaque
Periodontal disease: instrumental, radiographic, photographic and laboratory diagnosis
Principles of periodontal surgery: instruments
Regeneration principles
Biomaterials
Dental materials in Implantology and peri-implant regeneration
Elements of periodontal anatomy and pathophysiology
Oral hygiene techniques and aids
The use of antibacterial compounds against dental plaque
Periodontal disease: instrumental, radiographic, photographic and laboratory diagnosis
Principles of periodontal surgery: instruments
Regeneration principles
Biomaterials
Dental materials in Implantology and peri-implant regeneration
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures and a practical training in which students with the use of simulators may acquire the skills related to the different oral hygiene procedures
Teaching Resources
Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, Jan Lindhe, Editore: Blackwell Munksgaard
Modules or teaching units
Dental hygiene
MED/50 - APPLIED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND METHODOLOGY - University credits: 5
Lessons: 40 hours
Practicals - Exercises: 25 hours
Practicals - Exercises: 25 hours
Dental materials
MED/28 - ORAL DISEASES AND DENTISTRY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 30 hours
Practicals - Exercises: 25 hours
Practicals - Exercises: 25 hours
Professor:
Ionescu Andrei Cristian
Foundations of oral diagnosis
MED/28 - ORAL DISEASES AND DENTISTRY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Spadari Francesco
Preventive and community dentistry
MED/28 - ORAL DISEASES AND DENTISTRY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 30 hours
Practicals - Exercises: 25 hours
Practicals - Exercises: 25 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday morning
Office, Via della Commenda, 9 - 2° floor