Preventive and Community Dentistry

Code:

MIMD030209

Acronym:

MDPC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Dental Medicine

Instance: 2025/2026 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Gestão Académica
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master in Dental Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMD	70	Official Plan for the Academic Year 2025/2026	3	-	3	45	81

Teaching language

Portuguese
Obs.: Os estudantes internacionais terão acesso a bibliografia de acompanhamento em língua inglesa

Objectives

 

The main goal of this course unit is for students to acquire knowledge that translates into appropriate attitudes in the field of Preventive and Community Dentistry, and to develop essential theoretical and practical competencies in preventive dentistry within both clinical and community settings.

Secondary Objectives
The secondary objectives to be achieved by the end of this course unit correspond to each of the program's topics.


1) EVIDENCE- BASED  PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES 

     Knowledge

• Explain the principles of evidence-based dentistry

• Identify different levels of scientific evidence

• Describe the main international guidelines in oral prevention

     Skills

• Search for and critically analyze scientific literature on prevention

• Evaluate the methodological quality of preventive studies

• Select preventive strategies based on the best available evidence

    Attitudes

• Demonstrate critical thinking in the evaluation of evidence

• Value the importance of evidence-based practice

2) INDIVIDUAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Knowledge

• Identify the main risk factors for dental caries and periodontal disease

• Explain social, behavioral, and biological determinants of oral diseases

• Describe the available risk assessment tools

Skills

• Apply risk assessment tools (e.g., Cariogram)

• Interpret the results of risk assessments

• Develop individualized preventive plans based on risk levels

Attitudes

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to patient evaluation

• Value personalized prevention

3) ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION

Knowledge

• Explain the theoretical principles of health education

• Distinguish educational strategies for different settings and populations

• Identify barriers to behavioral change

Skills

• Develop appropriate educational materials

• Implement health education sessions

• Adapt communication to different age and social groups

Attitudes

• Demonstrate effective communication skills

4) METHODS OF ORAL BIOFILM CONTROL

Knowledge

• Explain the formation and structure of oral biofilms

• Describe mechanical and chemical methods of biofilm control

• Identify specific indications for different products

Skills

• Demonstrate correct oral hygiene techniques

• Select appropriate oral hygiene products

• Teach biofilm control techniques to various populations

Attitudes

• Value the importance of regular biofilm control

5) PREVENTIVE USE OF FLUORIDE

Knowledge

• Describe the different routes of fluoride administration and their clinical and community indications

• Identify risks of toxicity and fluorosis

Skills

• Calculate appropriate fluoride dosages

• Apply different forms of topical fluoride

• Develop personalized fluoride protocols

Attitudes

• Demonstrate accuracy in applying protocols

• Value safety in fluoride use

6) FISSURE SEALANTS

Knowledge

• Explain the indications and contraindications for sealants

• Describe the different types of sealant materials

• Identify selection criteria for fissure sealant application

Skills

• Perform the sealant application technique

• Evaluate the quality of sealants

Attitudes

• Demonstrate technical precision

7) DIET AND NUTRITION IN ORAL HEALTH

Knowledge

• Explain the relationship between diet and oral diseases

• Identify cariogenic and protective foods

• Describe healthy eating patterns in relation to oral health

Skills

• Analyze dietary logs and provide oral health-related nutritional counseling

Attitudes

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in recommendations

8) PREVENTION OF OROFACIAL TRAUMA

Knowledge

• Identify risk factors for dental trauma

• Describe activity-specific prevention strategies

Skills

• Advise on orofacial trauma prevention

• Develop trauma prevention campaigns in specific contexts

Attitudes

• Value injury prevention

9) ORAL CANCER PREVENTION

Knowledge

• Identify risk factors for oral cancer

• Explain primary prevention strategies

Skills

• Educate on modifiable risk factors

• Design awareness and health promotion actions on this topic

• Implement awareness campaigns

Attitudes

• Demonstrate sensitivity during patient counseling

10) SYSTEMIC DISEASES AND ORAL HEALTH

Knowledge

• Explain the bidirectional relationship between oral and systemic health

• Identify systemic conditions that affect oral health

Skills

• Adapt preventive strategies to medical conditions

Attitudes

• Value a multidisciplinary approach

• Demonstrate a holistic understanding of health

11) ADHERENCE AND COMPLIANCE IN PRIMARY PREVENTION

Knowledge

• Explain factors influencing adherence

• Identify barriers to therapeutic compliance

• Describe motivational strategies

Skills

• Apply motivational communication techniques

Attitudes

• Demonstrate empathy and understanding

• Value the patient’s active participation

12) NEW PREVENTIVE APPROACHES

Knowledge

• Identify emerging technologies in prevention

Skills

• Critically evaluate new technologies

• Stay updated with scientific developments

Attitudes

• Demonstrate openness to innovation

• Value continuous learning

13) PLANNING ORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Knowledge

• Explain planning methodologies in health

• Identify population oral health needs

Skills

• Develop community preventive programs

• Define measurable objectives and indicators

• Plan resources and timelines

Attitudes

• Demonstrate strategic thinking

• Value the population-level impact of prevention

Learning outcomes and competences

In the end of the semester, students are expected to have acquired the knowledge and developed the skills and abilities that will enable them to implement preventive measures in a community context.

In addition, students are expected to acquire the skills and competences to plan and develop Oral Health Education and Promotion actions in the community.


Students are expected to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to implement primary prevention measures for oral pathologies in a clinical context.

The student is also expected to acquire skills in Oral Public Health that will enable them to advocate the active commitment of future dentists to public health strategies.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Students must have knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity to enable them to understand the binomial health / disease.


Students should have basic knowledge in Public Health and Epidemiology.

Program

 

Evidence-Based Preventive Strategies
Individual risk assessment: Risk factors and determinants of oral disease, tools and criteria.

Primary prevention strategies for oral diseases:

• Oral health education and promotion in community and clinical settings
• Methods for controlling oral biofilms
• Foundations and current concepts in the preventive and therapeutic use of fluoride
• Fissure sealants
• Diet and nutrition in the context of oral health
• Prevention of orofacial trauma
• Oral cancer prevention
• Systemic diseases and primary prevention in oral health

Adherence and compliance in primary prevention

New preventive approaches in oral health

Planning and implementation of Oral Health  community programs for target populations

 

Mandatory literature

Norman O. Harris; Primary Preventive Dentistry. ISBN: 978-1-29204-061-5
Emili Cuenca Sala; Odontología preventiva y comunitaria. ISBN: 978-84-458-2203-6

Complementary Bibliography

Nutland W, Cragg L; Health Promotion Practice,, 2015
Splieth, Christian; Innovations in Preventive Dentistry, Quintessence Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 978-1-78698-099-1

Comments from the literature

As a bibliography, students may be advised to read relevant current scientific papers.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching method will be applied in the context of theoretical and practical classes.

The theoretical-practical classes will take place in a classroom environment, in a pre-clinical environment and in the community.


In the context of the theoretical-practical classes, oral health promotion activities will be carried out in the Paranhos parish school community as part of the Paranhos Smiling Project. In the community, students will be responsible for carrying out and coordinating an Oral Health Promotion activity.

Also in the theoretical-practical context, students will be trained in collecting epidemiological data, training in primary prevention strategies and solving clinical cases.

Theoretical classes with an expository component, using iconographic material such as powerpoint or videos (in those subjects where their use is justified). Despite the lecture component, students will be invited to participate with questions during the class, but also using the Moodlle platform for questions and discussion of the topics taught. These questions are part of a purely formative assessment.

Software

Cariogram® software

keywords

Health sciences

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	70,00
Trabalho de campo	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	30,00
Estudo autónomo	50,00
Frequência das aulas	20,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Students obtain attendance if they are present in 75% of the theoretical-practical classes

Calculation formula of final grade

Distributed assessment without final exam.

Theoretical assessment (70% of the final assessment):

A discontinuous and terminal assessment, involving a written evaluation.
Minimum theoretical assessment grade 10.0 out of 20.

TP assessment (30% of the final assessment):

This assessment, which is continuous and procedural in nature, includes the completion of worksheets and an action to promote Oral Health in the Community.


Components of the theoretical-practical assessment (Minimum grade 10.0 out of 20):

Worksheets and pre-clinical assessment and participation in theoretical-practical classes will be valued - 50% of the theoretical-practical component.
Work on ‘Oral health promotion’ - 50% of the theoretical-practical component.

The pre-clinical assessment of procedures to be carried out later, in a clinical context, in the transversal learning process will be based on the OSCE methodology.
Students will have prior access, published on the Moddle platform, to the criteria that will be used in the assessment processes both in the pre-clinical context and in the community context.



It is mandatory to complete all TP tasks components regardless of student status.

Examinations or Special Assignments

There are no special tests or assignments planned.

Internship work/project

Not required.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Implementation of the standards set by the FMDUP Pedagogical Board  for the academic year 2025/2026.

Classification improvement

The improvement of the classification can be done through a written test (min. 10.0 out of 20 values) and a practical exam that will cover the subjects taught in the TP classes (10.0 out of 20 values).

Observations

Students should have knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity that enables them to understand the health/disease continuum.

Students should have basic knowledge in the fields of Oral and Community Public Health and Epidemiology.