Ateneo - UPO

The course provides fundamental knowledge on microbiology applied to oral surgery, with particular attention to pathogenic microorganisms of the oral cavity, odontostomatological infections and infection prevention and management protocols in the surgical field.

Material provided by the teacher (ppt, links to official sites; updated documents; scientific publications)

The course aims to provide trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, diagnose and manage infections of the oral cavity in the surgical and odontostomatological fields, with particular attention to the prevention and control of infections.

Basic knowledge
🔹 General microbiology: structure and classification of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
🔹 Pathophysiology of infections: mechanisms of pathogenicity and immune response.
🔹 Anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity: knowledge of oral structures and their interaction with the microbiota.

Preliminary Clinical Skills
🔹 Ability to recognize common dental infections.
🔹 Notions of clinical and instrumental diagnosis in dentistry and oral surgery.
🔹 Knowledge of the indications for the use of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals in dentistry.

3. Practical Skills
🔹 Familiarity with the procedures for collecting and managing oral biological samples.
🔹 Knowledge of sterilization and disinfection techniques in a surgical environment.
🔹 Understanding the principles of cross-infection prevention in the dental practice and in the operating room.

Theoretical presentations: exposition of fundamental concepts through slides, videos and images, with a focus on oral infections and microbiological diagnostic methodologies.

for information contact the teacher
barbara.azzimonti@uniupo.it

Multiple choice tests and group work

General Microbiology and Oral Microbiota
Structure and classification of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites relevant to oral surgery.
Healthy oral microbiota and its variations in pathological conditions.
Virulence factors and host-pathogen interaction.

Microbiological Diagnosis in Oral Surgery
Techniques for collection and transport of oral biological samples.
Cultural, serological and molecular diagnosis (PCR, rapid tests).
Antibiograms and antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Dental Infections of Surgical Interest
Bacterial infections: dental abscesses, maxillary osteomyelitis, peri-implantitis.
Viral infections: herpes simplex, oral papillomavirus.
Oral mycoses: oral candidiasis, deep fungal infections.
Post-surgical infections: management of infected wounds, bacterial biofilm infections.

Prevention, therapy and antibiotic therapy in oral surgery
Rational use of pre- and post-operative antibiotics.
Antivirals and antifungals in oral cavity infections.
Strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in oral surgery.

Infection Control in Oral Surgery
Sterilization and disinfection protocols in a surgical environment.
Asepsis techniques and oral antiseptics.
Prevention of nosocomial infections and infectious risk in immunocompromised patients.

Understand the microbiology of the oral cavity: recognize the structure, pathogenic behavior and role of the main microorganisms involved in odontostomatological infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
✅ Know the oral microbiota and the alterations that lead it to develop infectious diseases, as well as its relationship with the oral environment and pathological conditions.
✅ Apply microbiological diagnostic methodologies: knowing how to choose and correctly interpret the most appropriate diagnostic techniques (cultures, PCR, serological tests, antibiograms) to identify oral infections.
✅ Correctly interpret microbiological results: analyze data from microbiological tests and formulate effective differential diagnoses in oral surgery.
Manage oral and post-surgical infections: knowing how to select and apply the most suitable treatment based on the clinical and microbiological diagnosis.
Prevent and reduce the risk of infections in oral surgery: correctly apply sterilization, disinfection and antiseptic techniques in a surgical environment.
✅ Adopt preventive measures: understand and implement prevention protocols to avoid cross-infections and infectious complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Communication Skills