05121 - Clinical Dentistry

Learning outcomes

The course is set up to manage and improve the student's approach to the patient with various problems, ranging from the management of the patient who presents with a non-specific pathology in the oral cavity or in the craniofacial area and who needs oral hygiene. In particular, the student is able to: - identify patients with organ pathologies and pathology of the oral cavity; - recognize patients suffering from systemic pathologies at risk of emergency; - recognize the elementary pathologies of the dental patient; - know the basic principles for managing a medical emergency; - the basis for the control of cross-infections in dentistry; - work in a team for the performance of small dental interventions; - communicate to the patient the correct home oral hygiene practices in relation to his health condition.

Course contents

The course addresses the main systemic diseases that may have clinical manifestations and diagnostic or therapeutic implications within the oral cavity and in the management of dental patients.

A solid background in human physiology, the most common systemic diseases, and the normal and pathological anatomy of the oral and maxillofacial region is considered a fundamental prerequisite for this course.

The discussion of selected clinical cases will allow students to apply the theoretical concepts acquired during the lectures to real clinical scenarios. This approach is intended to foster critical thinking and clinical reasoning, enabling students to identify the most appropriate preventive strategies and to develop patient-centred, evidence-based preventive and oral hygiene strategies.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and relevant scientific articles

Teaching methods

Teaching activities will be delivered primarily through interactive lectures, complemented by classroom discussions.

Collaborative learning activities will also be incorporated through small-group work focused on topics relevant to the course. Starting from specific clinical questions, students will be guided in conducting rigorous literature searches and critically appraising the available scientific evidence. The findings will then be discussed according to the principles of peer instruction, promoting peer interaction, clinical reasoning, and the development of evidence-based decision-making skills.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed through a final oral examination based on the discussion of a clinical case. Students will be required to interpret the available clinical documentation, including the patient's medical record, radiographic examinations, laboratory test results (where applicable), and clinical photographs. The examination is designed to assess the student's ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical reasoning and to identify the most appropriate preventive and patient management strategies.

The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale.

With regard to assessment, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is not permitted. Any use of AI tools during the examination constitutes a violation of the principles of academic integrity.

NB: Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are invited to contact the University's dedicated support service (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) as early as possible in order to agree on appropriate accommodations. Requests must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination date. The suitability of the requested accommodations will be assessed in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Audiovisual systems will be used during the lectures

Office hours

See the website of Marco Montevecchi