39206 - Conservative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials

Learning outcomes

At the end of the program the student has a preparation that allows primary prevention in conservative and endodontics. In particular, the student is able to: • recognize and use appropriately the main tools and materials employed for primary prevention in conservative-endodontics; • know properly the main materials used in restorative and endodontics; • diagnose the main pathologies that require conservative and endodontic treatments; • recognize and treat dentinal hypersensitivity; • plan simple restorative and endodontic interventions; • implement all primary prophylaxis measures; • perform polishing of restorations.

Course contents

- Dental materials: dentinal adhesives, composites, cements, waxes, resins, toothpastes, impression material.
-Anatomy of the dental elements and of the endodontic canal of the permanent and deciduous elements.
- Conservative techniques and concepts. Black classes 1,2,3,4,5
-Diagnosis of carious and endodontic lesion.
- Concepts of endodontics. Definition of endodontics and conservative dentistry.
- Carious lesions. Complication of carious lesions. Pulp and apico-periapical pathologies.
- Aims and purposes of conservative rehabilitation. Conservative techniques with the use of amalgam and with the use of composite materials: basic principles and properties.
-Classification of dentinal adhesive systems and clinical indications for their use. Smear layer. Enamel and dentin etching techniques.
-Classifications of composite resins. Stratification of composite resins.
-Classification of glass ionomer cements and their clinical indications.
- Dentin hypersensitivity. Dentin hypersensitivity therapy. Differential diagnosis.
-History and compilation of the conservative and endodontic medical record (with particular reference to practical exercises)
- Dental pulp diseases: acute pulpitis, chronic pulpitis. Other pulp pathologies.

Readings/Bibliography

Materiali e tecnologie odontostomatologiche per igienista dentale, cura di G. Spoto, Ed. Aries Due.

Borges AB, Caneppele TM, Masterson D, Maia LC. Is an effective esthetic treatment for enamel development defects and lesions? A systematic review. J Dent. 2017 Jan;56:11-18.

Maravić T, Mazzitelli C, Mancuso E, Del Bianco F, Josić U, Cadenaro M, Breschi L, Mazzoni A. Resin composite cements: Current status and a novel classification proposal. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2023 Oct;35(7):1085-1097

Breschi L, Maravic T, Mazzitelli C, Josic U, Mancuso E, Cadenaro M, Pfeifer CS, Mazzoni A. The evolution of adhesive dentistry: From etch-and-rinse to universal bonding systems. Dent Mater. 2025 Feb;41(2):141-158.

Francinelli J, Mazzitelli C, Josic U, D'Urso D, Mancuso E, Moretto GM, Mazzoni A, Salgarello SA, Breschi L, Maravic T. Root canal irrigants and their role in the adhesion of pre-endodontic restorations. Clin Oral Investig. 2025 Jun 16;29(7):340.

Teaching methods

Lectures will be held in the CLID 2 classroom of the University Dental Clinic. Practical sessions will take place in both the phantom head lab and the Dental Biomaterials Laboratory within the same facility.
This integrated approach allows students to put into practice what is taught during the theoretical lessons, progressively gaining familiarity with the procedures and techniques relevant to the dental hygienist in the fields of conservative dentistry and endodontics.
The goal is to support the development of clinical autonomy and to encourage effective collaboration with the dental team, preparing students for real-world clinical practice.

Assessment methods

To be eligible to take the final exam, students must have attended at least 75% of the lectures and practical exercises included in the course.

The final assessment consists of two parts:

1. Written exam: This consists of 16 multiple-choice questions. Scoring is as follows: 2 points for each correct answer, 0 points for incorrect or unanswered questions. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass.

2. Oral exam: This can be taken only after passing the written exam. Its purpose is to confirm or improve the previously obtained score. The oral exam includes questions covering the main topics discussed during the course and may also include a brief practical component based on the exercises carried out during the semester.

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

Students will have the opportunity to explore the properties of dental materials and understand their application in the fields of conservative dentistry and endodontics through video demonstrations, hands-on sessions, and direct use of cutting-edge, next-generation materials. The goal is to promote a minimally invasive and preventive clinical approach. Activities will take place using models and simulators in phantom head lab and in the Dental Biomaterials Laboratory, allowing students to simulate real clinical scenarios and test material properties in a controlled environment. For each topic covered, updated scientific literature will be provided, and dedicated meetings will be organized to encourage critical thinking and clinical contextualization.

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Mazzitelli