09151 - Internal Medicine

Learning outcomes

The Internal Medicine course aims to develop in students of the Degree Programme in Dental Hygiene the fundamental skills of clinical reasoning and medical methodology in patient assessment. In this context, Internal Medicine remains a core discipline in biomedical education.

At the end of the course, students will acquire the knowledge needed to recognize, interpret, and manage the most common internal medicine conditions, with a specific focus on those relevant to oral health.

In particular, students will be able to:

• understand the pathophysiological basis of the most common internal medicine disorders, with special attention to those whose complications may involve the oral cavity and stomatognathic system;

• be familiar with the natural history, clinical manifestations, and potential complications of prevalent internal medicine conditions;

• identify risk factors for internal diseases and the possible preventive strategies applicable in dental practice;

• assess and interpret simple clinical cases relevant to dentistry and oral health, integrating medical knowledge with the professional role of the dental hygienist.

Course contents

Overview of clinical methodology and medical semiotics

Anemia

Arterial hypertension

Heart failure

Syncope and fainting

Cardiac arrhythmias and valvular diseases

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting

Constipation and diarrhea

Celiac disease

Diabetes mellitus and its complications

Allergies

Readings/Bibliography

- "Rugarli. Medicina interna sistematica" - C. Rugarli, Edra Editore (VIII Ed)

- "Semeiotica Medica - Metodologia clinica" - R. Nuti, Minerva Medica Editore

Teaching methods

Lessons

Assessment methods

The final assessment for the Internal Medicine module consists of an oral examination, in which the student is required to discuss two topics selected from the syllabus.

Evaluation is based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of major internal medicine conditions, especially those relevant to oral health and dental hygiene practice;

• Ability to connect systemic conditions with practical implications in dental settings, including preventive measures such as antibiotic prophylaxis or adjustments to dental procedures;

• Communication skills, including clarity, correct use of medical terminology, and conciseness;

• Recognition of warning signs and red flags, and understanding of when referral to a physician or specialist is warranted.

Students are not expected to make clinical diagnoses, but should be able to identify common clinical patterns and understand their practical consequences in everyday patient care.

The grade for this module (3 ECTS) contributes to the final mark (out of 30) for the Integrated Course (8 ECTS total), calculated as a weighted average of the marks obtained in each module.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PPT slides

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Tovoli