The course will focus on the anatomical bases of the oral cavity with notions of embryology, pathological bases of dental caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, intraoral radiographs, periodontal disease, malocclusions, mucosal pathologies, odontogenic pain, basics of maxillofacial surgery.
Course Prerequisites
OroMaxilloFacial Surgery and Basic Odontology-Dentistry and Maxillo-facial Surgery Module(s)
Biological, anatomical, and physiological basic knowledge and skills are required. Understanding the course topics requires knowledge of normal embryology and anatomy of the head and neck, topics that will still be widely recalled during the lessons of the course.
Teaching Methods
Frontal ex cathedra lessons
Assessment Methods
Multiple choice Quiz exam based on 20 quizzes.
Texts
Lecture Notes
Contents
The program of the course of dentistry is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of head and neck anatomy and physiology, with a particular attention in the oral cavity. These foundational concepts are essential for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting this region. The course begins with an in-depth study of the anatomy, emphasizing the complex relationships between the teeth, facial bones, muscles, and nerves. This knowledge forms the basis for understanding dental pathologies, trauma, and disorders that impact the oral and facial structures. An important focus is on dentistry, where students are introduced to the fundamentals of dental prevention, care, and treatment. They learn about the prevention of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other common oral health issues. A key area of the curriculum is facial bone and dento-alveolar trauma, where students explore the causes, diagnosis, and management of injuries to the facial bones and teeth. This includes fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries, summing up the therapeutic approaches which range from simple splints and dressings to more complex surgical interventions aimed at restoring both function and aesthetics. Another important topic discussed during the course is malocclusion, which refers to the misalignment of teeth and jaws. Malocclusion can lead to functional issues such as difficulty in chewing or speaking, as well as aesthetic concerns. Students are taught to diagnose different types of malocclusion and explore various treatment options, including orthodontic techniques that focus on teeth alignment. Orthognathic surgery, a more invasive option, is also covered, which aims to correct severe skeletal discrepancies in the jaw to improve both function and appearance. Finally, the lectures address the diagnosis and management of precancerous lesions of the oral cavity, such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia. Early detection of these lesions is critical, as they have the potential to develop into oral cancers. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of regular oral examinations, biopsy techniques, and the appropriate surgical and non-surgical treatment options for managing these potentially malignant conditions. By integrating these diverse topics, the lectures aim to equip students with a well-rounded education in both basic and advanced aspects of dentistry, ensuring they are prepared to deliver high-quality care for a variety of oral and facial health concerns.