Catalogo dei Corsi di studio

The Degree Programme in Dental Hygiene was instituted in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at Sapienza for the 2006/2007 academic year. The Degree Programme in Dental Hygiene replaces the previous University Diploma Course of 1990. The current academic system adopted by Ministerial Decree n.136 of 2 April 2001 for Bachelors and Masters Degrees in the Health Professions is in conformity with EU directives, meaning that graduates can freely practice within the EU member states.

The Degree Programme was established to respond to educational and professional needs for the training of professionals with scientific and theoretical-practical university preparation in the field of hygiene and dental prevention. With the law dated August 10th 2000, n.251, dental hygiene graduates are defined as professionals in the technical-assistance professions who autonomously perform diagnostic procedures on patients or biological materials, or other technical assistance activities.

With the Ministry of Health decree of 15 March 1999, n.137 the professional figure of the dental hygienist was defined as a health worker who, in possession of a University Diploma, carries out tasks related to the prevention of oral-dental diseases under the instruction of dentists and physicians authorised to practice dentistry. Dental hygienists may practice their activity as employees or as self-employed professionals. Professional skills are achieved through theoretical and practical training and the acquisition of behavioural skills in the specific professional setting, so as to ensure the full mastery of all necessary skills and their immediate usability in the workplace.

Of particular importance to the professional training are the practical training activities and clinical internship, performed under the guidance of professional tutors at university facilities and in compliance with EU directives.