Ateneo - UPO

The purpose of the course is to provide students with the theoretical foundation for understanding the procedures for taking a medical history and performing an oral and dental physical examination, in order to understand and interpret patients' signs and symptoms, and to develop independent judgment. Semiotics, the study and interpretation of signs and symptoms, is the foundation upon which all healthcare activities aimed at formulating a diagnosis, prognosis, and subsequent therapeutic intervention must be based. Semiotics is therefore a fundamental discipline for the training of dental hygienists in the prevention of oral and dental diseases: only the perfect interpretation of signs and symptoms allows for the recognition of alterations and their causes.

Cortesi Ardizzone V, Abbinante A (ed). Igienista Dentale: Teoria E Pratica Professionale. Prima edizione. Milano. LSWR srl. 2013.
Lindhe J, Lang NP. (Ed.). Parodontologia Clinica e Implantologia Orale. VI Edizione. Milano. Edi Ermes S.R.L., 2016.
Valletta G, Bucci E, Matarasso S. Odontostomatologia. Padova. Piccin Nuova Libraria Spa. II ed. 2024.
Wilkins E.M. (Ed.). La Pratica Clinica dell’igienista Dentale. XII Edition. Padova. Piccin Nuova Libraria S.P.A., 2020.
Ministero della Salute Raccomandazioni cliniche in odontostomatologia. Gennaio 2014.
Caton JC, Armitage G, Berglundh T, Chapple ILC, Jepsen S, Kornman KS, Mealey BL, Papapanou PN, Sanz M, Tonetti M. A new classification scheme for periodontal and peri‐implant diseases and conditions – Introduction and key changes from the 1999 classification. Journal of Periodontology and Journal of Clinical Periodontology marzo 2018.

The course aims to provide the student with the theoretical assumptions necessary to collect and interpret the symptoms reported by patients and the signs that can be inferred from the physical examination and from the interpretation of instrumental tests. The collection of data cannot ignore the observance of protocols that provide for the application of precise methods and the use of adequate instruments to carry out the objective examination of the head and oral cavity. The student must also acquire independent judgment and the ability to communicate with patients.

The student must possess the theoretical knowledge deriving from the teachings given in the C.I. of the first and second year of the course, as well as the competence and skills acquired in the internship.

Lectures, supplementary teaching lessons in small groups, practical exercises during the internship activities in the Dental Clinic, consultation and discussion of scientific articles.

ADO and UAF organized for in-depth analysis of single topics.

Learning is assessed with a written exam with open questions aimed at verifying the level of knowledge acquired and the understanding of the course contents. The student must demonstrate that they know and be able to present the arguments in an understandable way; to have understood the fundamental concepts. The student must be able to establish connections between topics covered and other disciplines. The written assignments, upon request, are corrected and discussed with each individual student.

Paper documentation: anamnestic questionnaire; diary / clinical card; informed consent General concepts of odontostomatological semeiotics. Anamnesis (family, physiological, remote pathological, proximate pathological, pharmacological); physical examination (inspection, percussion palpation, auscultation). Clinical examination of the cephalic region and temporomandibular joint: materials and methods. Physical examination of the oral cavity, covering tissues, tongue, periodontium, teeth: materials and methods. Symptoms most common in the pathology of the mouth, the attached organs and the jawbones: pain; swellings; ulcers; lymphadenopathy; bleeding; halitosis; white and red and pigmented lesions; paraesthesia; burning mouth; bubbles and vesicles; dysgeusia; xerostomia; telangiectasias; closing and limitation of the opening of the mouth. Specialized semeiotic techniques: complementary, instrumental and specialist examinations; imaging test. Periodontal health. Semeiology and diagnosis of periodontal disease. Periodontal probing: materials and methods. PD probing depth, clinical level of CAL attack, recessions, etc. Plaque indices (PI, PCR, OHI-S, NMPS, HYG, etc) Gingival indices (GI, GBI, PBI, SBI, GI-S, etc) Periodontal indices (PSR, CPTIN, Russel, PDI, etc) Other indices (WTCI, OFDI, etc) Periodontal record:periodontal health and importance, significance, timing of the recording of dento-periodontal health data. Manual or computerized methods of compilation. Periodontal disease signs and symptoms Periodontal tissue inflammation: rubor, calor, dolor, tumor, functio lesa; bleeding. Clinical pictures of gingivitis and periodontitis: signs and symptoms. Alterations in shape and color; bleeding; increased probing depth; loss of clinical attachment; pseudo pocket, pocket, periodontal crater; qualitative / quantitative changes in supporting bone; dental mobility and migration. Gum recessions. Diagnostic for images. Intraoral radiographic examinations; radiographic status; Rinn centerers. Radiographic examination versus probing.

The course aims to provide the student with the knowledge and the methods to obtain data relating to the state of health of the head region, the oral cavity, the periodontium and the teeth. Through the collection, recording and analysis of the collected data, the student must acquire the competence and the ability to distinguish a state of health from a state of disease.