Periodontology

Periodontology for undergraduate students is a 3-year curriculum program:

• The first-year curriculum focuses on preventive care, risk assessment, and epidemiological considerations of periodontal diseases, providing students with knowledge and mechanical fundamental skills in etiology, histopathology, initial therapy, and preventive strategies in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases. A brief theoretical introduction to surgical procedures is provided, with emphasis on indications, contraindications, and post-operative treatment. In a simulation laboratory exercise, students are introduced to the use of instruments for managing the mechanical therapy aimed to treat the inflammatory periodontal disease.
• The second-year curriculum focuses on foundation knowledge in the more advanced therapeutic modalities of periodontics, integrating principles of basic biomedical sciences, including histology, immunology, and pathophysiology. The course of study consists of both didactic instruction and clinical practice. Clinical practice is devoted to the treatment of patients with gingivitis and early-to-moderate stages of periodontitis under close supervision in a comprehensive care clinic. The more advanced periodontal patients are presented in a series of lectures covering diagnosis, prognosis, histopathology, surgical and non-surgical intervention, and pharmacotherapeutics. Diagnosis and treatment planning seminars are held, and individual student initiative is encouraged.
• The third-year course serves as a basis for the student to diagnose and treat more advanced cases. Implant seminar are presented by senior faculty and students. Students may also perform part of the surgical procedure, depending on their skills. Highly motivated students with a particular interest and aptitude in this discipline of dentistry may choose to focus on more advanced cases during this year.