The course "Maintenance Protocols for Patients with Special Needs" aims to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of oral health maintenance strategies for patients with specific healthcare needs. The course explores the underlying clinical principles and evidence-based maintenance protocols, enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills required to design and implement individualized preventive and supportive care plans tailored to a wide range of clinical conditions.
Course Prerequisites
General knowledge of human anatomy, with particular emphasis on the anatomy of the oral cavity, as well as general physiology and general pathology. Clinical background in patient management
Teaching Methods
Teaching will be delivered through lectures supported by interactive learning materials, with active student engagement encouraged through guided discussions, clinical case analyses, and collaborative learning activities.
The instructor will provide dedicated course materials, including lecture notes, clinical guidelines, scientific articles, and additional bibliographic resources to support students' independent learning and further exploration of the topics covered.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam
Texts
Manual of Special Care Dentistry*, edited by the Italian Society of Dentistry and Stomatology for People with Disabilities (SIOH).
Dental Hygienist: Theory and Professional Practice*, Viviana Cortesi Ardizzone and Antonia Abbinante. Edra.
* *Lectures in Clinical Dentistry and Stomatology*, Luciano Pacifici, Umberto Romeo, Orlando Brugnoletti, and Alberto De Biase.
Contents
The course is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective care protocols, with the overarching goal of promoting oral health and overall well-being in patients with special healthcare needs.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand and assess the clinical needs of different categories of patients with special healthcare needs, including critically ill patients in intensive care units, individuals with disabilities, patients with diabetes or cancer, pregnant women, and pediatric patients.
2. Design and implement individualized oral health prevention and maintenance protocols tailored to the specific clinical needs of patients with special healthcare needs.
3. Search, critically appraise, and integrate evidence from the scientific literature to remain up to date with the latest research and advances in the field.
4. Apply an interdisciplinary approach by collaborating with healthcare professionals from different disciplines to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered, and holistic care.
5. Employ effective communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration within multidisciplinary healthcare teams and establish clear, empathetic, and patient-centered communication with patients.
