42393 - Internship 1

Learning outcomes

Internship II, following the initial integration into the clinical setting achieved during Internship I, aims to further develop the tools necessary for the student to actively participate as a member of the dental care team.
In particular, the student will be able to:

• attend a dental department and take an active role in its clinical activities;

• apply the professional knowledge acquired;

• interact with patients attending the department and provide care within the scope of competence of the dental hygienist.

Course contents

Internship I represents the student’s first exposure to the clinical environment and aims primarily to facilitate their gradual and conscious integration into the operational reality of a dental healthcare setting. During this initial phase, the student begins to become familiar with the outpatient context, the roles of the dental team, organizational workflows, and foundational practical concepts in oral hygiene.

The main contents include:

• Guided observation of clinical activities within the University Dental Clinic departments, with particular focus on the role of the dental hygienist within the care team;

• Understanding of the dental clinical environment, including medical devices, hygiene protocols, safety standards (PPE, disinfection and sterilization procedures, waste management);

• Approach to the patient: welcoming techniques, empathetic communication, listening, and observation, also in relation to the patient’s social and cultural background;

• Filling in the dental record: acquisition of demographic and health history data, with an introduction to the importance of accurate and complete anamnesis;

• Basic notions of oral anatomy, oral health and disease, introduction to clinical indices (PI, GI, PSR), dental plaque, and motivation for personal oral hygiene;

• Learning correct ergonomic postures, dental chair functionalities, and proper chairside assistance techniques;

• Practical exercises on anatomical models (simulators and mannequins), aimed at developing basic manual skills and the use of fundamental professional tools (mirror, probe, explorer);

• Introduction to the professional role of the dental hygienist, including responsibilities, ethics, code of conduct, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The goal is to provide students with the theoretical and practical foundation to begin actively, albeit under supervision, participating in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on developing critical observation skills, relational attitudes, and progressive integration into the dental care team.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Carranza - Parodontologia clinica- ed. Delfino;
2. Caruso, Capaldo, Mazza -
   PARODONTOLOGIA per igienisti dentali, Ed. Martina;
3. Ardizzone, Abbinante - Igienista Orale - Teoria e pratica professionale- Ed EDRA.

Teaching methods

Internship 1 is mainly conducted in a clinical setting within the university dental clinic, where the student is gradually introduced to the professional environment. The teaching methods include:

• Direct supervision by experienced clinical tutors who guide the student in observing and performing basic clinical activities;

• Participation in the activities of the dental department to foster integration within the team and understanding of care processes;

• Observation of clinical procedures and patient management, with particular attention to patient reception and communication approach;

• Briefing and debriefing sessions with tutors aimed at reflecting on practical experience, discussing difficulties, and identifying areas for improvement;

• Practical exercises using models and simulations to develop familiarity with essential instruments and techniques;

• Supplementary educational materials such as guidelines, operational protocols, video tutorials, and clinical documentation to support both theoretical and practical learning.

This teaching approach aims to facilitate a conscious and progressive integration into the clinical environment, developing the foundational technical, relational, and organizational skills essential for the student’s educational path.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning in the internship consists of an oral exam conducted in the presence of the course coordinator, the head of educational activities, tutors, and faculty members. This exam aims to evaluate the student’s knowledge and understanding of the topics covered throughout the year. Areas assessed include familiarity with instruments and the clinical environment, appropriate clinical behaviors, patient interaction, use of the dental chair, instrumentation and instrumentation techniques, clinical materials, oral cavity anatomy, extra- and intraoral evaluation techniques, as well as dental hygienist competency indicators. Admission to the internship requires the completion of at least half of the required hours and a positive evaluation of the student’s behavior and attendance during practical activities, agreed upon with the tutors.

 

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

Supervision by experienced clinical tutors: to observe and participate in clinical activities under guided support.

Anatomical models and simulators: for practical exercises on basic techniques in a controlled environment.

Manuals and clinical guidelines: to deepen understanding of fundamental clinical protocols.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): for learning safety and hygiene standards.

Basic oral hygiene instruments: such as mirrors, probes, forceps, and toothbrushes, to become familiar with essential tools.

Management or digital support software: to familiarize with clinical documentation and patient management.

Briefing and debriefing sessions: moments for discussion with tutors to reflect on experiences and improve.

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Mazzitelli

See the website of Martina Stefanini

See the website of Tatjana Maravic