42395 - Internship 3

Learning outcomes

Clinical Training 3, following the student's initial integration into the clinical setting during Clinical Training 1 and the development of technical tools and team collaboration skills during Clinical Training 2, provides students with the technical and professional competencies required to operate effectively within an organized healthcare environment.

In particular, the student is able to:

• actively take part in the daily activities of a dental department;

• apply the acquired professional knowledge also in the care of patients with temporary or permanent disabilities;

• interact with patients accessing the department and autonomously manage all activities falling within the scope of the dental hygienist's professional responsibilities.

Course contents

In the third year, the clinical internship consolidates the student’s educational path, guiding them towards full operational autonomy within an organized dental healthcare setting. The main objective is to strengthen the technical-professional, relational, and organizational skills necessary to manage the patient holistically, with particular attention to personalized care based on different clinical conditions, age, and any temporary or permanent disabilities.

The student will become proficient in patient reception and management procedures, able to collect and evaluate a thorough medical and dental history, recognizing potential correlations between systemic diseases, pharmacological therapies, and oral health. They will also be capable of identifying and recording the main risk factors associated with periodontal disease, both at an individual and localized level.

The internship includes direct clinical activities, during which the student will perform non-surgical periodontal instrumentation using manual and mechanical techniques, carry out proper post-treatment periodontal assessments, and provide personalized oral hygiene instructions. The approach to managing dentinal hypersensitivity and long-term maintenance therapies will also be covered.

Furthermore, the student will learn to interpret diagnostic data from radiographs (OPG, intraoral, CT scans) and will be guided in organizing recall visits aimed at monitoring clinical progress and maintaining treatment outcomes. Activities will take place both in the dental hygiene department and in other areas of the dental clinic, promoting teamwork and interprofessional collaboration with dentists and other healthcare professionals.

The training pathway is completed with the use of updated instruments and technologies for professional oral hygiene, aiming to ensure effective, safe, and tailored care according to each patient’s specific needs.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Testi: Wilkins’ Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist – Linda Boyd et al. (13a‑14a ed.).
2. ongbloed-Zoet C. The role of the in promoting oral health. J.Int J Dent Hyg. 2020 May;18(2):127. doi: 10.1111/idh.12436.
3. Parker JL, Dolce MC. Defining the 's Role in Improving Population Health through Interprofessional Collaboration. J Dent Hyg. 2017 Apr;91(2):4-5.
4. Hamasaki T, Kato H, Kumagai T, Hagihara A. Association Between Dentist- Communication and Treatment Outcomes. Health Commun. 2017 Mar;32(3):288-297.
5. Sabatini et al. Effectiveness of Ultrasonic and Manual Instrumentation in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy: Are Additional Therapies More Effective? A Systematic Review. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1950.
6. https://www.sidp.it/la-societa/linee-guida-sidp/.

Teaching methods

The internship is primarily conducted at the Dental Hygiene Department of the University Dental Clinic, where the student actively participates in clinical activities on real patients under the supervision of experienced clinical tutors and industry professionals. Part of the hours may also be completed at private dental clinics affiliated with the University, located in the surrounding area and selected to ensure an adequate educational and clinical experience. The list of accredited sites will be made available to students prior to the start of external activities.

During the internship, students will have the opportunity to practically apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during lectures, including exercises on models and simulations of professional oral hygiene techniques. The activities are designed to develop autonomy, clinical responsibility, observational skills, communication, and patient interaction, with particular focus on a multidisciplinary and personalized approach to care.

Additionally, students will have the chance to participate in external advanced training events, seminars, and refresher courses.

Assessment methods

The Internship III exam can only be taken after the successful completion of Internships I and II. Internship activities are planned, monitored, and documented throughout the entire educational path with the aim of progressively verifying the acquisition of the expected professional skills. The assessment of learning is divided into formative and summative components.

Formative assessment is ensured through the tutorial system and takes place throughout the year by means of direct observation of the student’s performance by the tutor/mentor, periodic interviews, completion of evaluation forms, and verification of active participation in clinical activities. This assessment also includes attendance, progress in skills development, the quality of any reports, individual assignments or projects, and participation in supplementary initiatives.

Summative assessment is conducted at the end of the internship and aims to verify the level of autonomy and professional maturity achieved. It synthesizes the formative assessments, the performance in required assignments, and the results demonstrated during the final exam. The exam may include oral interviews, written tests, simulated clinical cases, or discussions of practical experiences.

The examination committee is chaired by the Degree Course Coordinator, the Head of Educational Activities, and is composed of clinical tutors and at least one faculty member; in specific cases, additional faculty members may be included. The annual internship exam is offered once per academic year, except for special cases authorized by the Educational Committee. Passing grades are expressed on a 30-point scale. The status “withdrawn” is assigned in case of interruption due to health reasons, pregnancy, or personal causes; “failed” if minimum objectives are not met.

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

The internship is supported by a range of educational tools that enhance its training effectiveness. Students participate in practical exercises using anatomical models, simulators, and mannequins to refine manual skills and knowledge of operative techniques in a controlled environment. In-depth seminars and thematic workshops led by expert professionals are provided, covering clinical protocols, prevention, communication, and patient management.

Participation in refresher courses and training days organized by the educational institution or accredited external bodies is also encouraged to promote continuous education aligned with the latest scientific evidence. Audiovisual materials, guidelines, tutorials, clinical documentation, and the use of digital platforms further support theoretical and practical preparation, providing students with useful resources beyond clinical activities.

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Mazzitelli

See the website of

See the website of Laura Lo Bianco

See the website of Stefano Chersoni

See the website of Alessio Buonavoglia

See the website of Matteo Sangiorgi

See the website of Andrea Gabusi