The three-year degree programme in Igiene Dentale (Dental Hygiene), created in agreement with the Claudiana University Pole of Health Professions in Bolzano, trains health professionals specialised in the prevention, protection and promotion of oral health.
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Faculty:
Medicine and Surgery
Undergraduate Programmes
Igiene dentale (abilitante alla professione sanitaria di Igienista dentale)
Applications closed for the current academic year
Duration:
3 years
Teaching Hub:
Bolzano
This course is administratively affiliated with the Campus of
Rome, but teaching activities take place at:
Polo universitario delle professioni sanitarie - Claudiana (Bolzano).
Language:
Italian, German
Degree class:
L/SNT3 (Technical health professions)
Credits:
180 ECTS
Admission:
By admission test
What qualification do you hold?
The application process and required documents vary depending on your qualification.
Italian qualification
You have obtained or are about to obtain an Italian qualification.
Go to the Enrolment Portal
International qualification
You have obtained or are about to obtain a non-Italian qualification.
View the international application procedure
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/ Overview
The programme, qualifying for the profession of dental hygienist, provides for the acquisition of 180 ECTS and takes place in a bilingual (Italian and German) training context and oriented towards the international dimension.
The training integrates biomedical, dental and periodontal knowledge with educational and communication skills, offering comprehensive preparation for the prevention of oral cavity pathologies and the maintenance of oral health at different stages of life.
Particular attention is paid to early diagnosis, health education and the promotion of correct lifestyles.
The programme progressively combines theoretical teaching, practical activities and professionalizing internships, promoting the development of the technical-operational skills of the profession.
Clinical experiences are carried out under the supervision of qualified tutors in hospital dental services, territorial and social-health facilities, allowing students to deal with different care contexts.
The integration between theory and practice, the interdisciplinary approach and the centrality of the relationship with the patient make it possible to train professionals capable of working in multidisciplinary teams, promoting prevention and contributing to the improvement of the oral health of the population.
Why choose Dental Hygiene?
This programme trains healthcare professionals specialised in the prevention of oro-dental diseases and the promotion of oral health, with a preparation that integrates clinical, technical and educational skills.
Oral Health Prevention
Preparation aimed at protecting the health of the oral cavity through clinical, preventive and educational interventions aimed at patients of all ages
Technical and operational skills
Progressive development of the manual skills and clinical knowledge necessary to carry out the activities of the dental hygienist
Practical experience from the first year
Laboratories, simulations and clinical internships that promote the acquisition of professional skills in the field
International and bilingual context
Training in Italian and German at the Claudiana University Pole for Health Professions, in a multicultural environment
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Teamwork-oriented preparation with dentists and other healthcare professionals in integrated patient management
Integration between theory and practice
A programme that combines teaching, clinical activities and internship for a gradual development of professional autonomy
High employability
Preparation in line with the needs of the dental sector and with the opportunities offered by public and private facilities and the freelance profession
The training proposal allows you to acquire specialised and immediately expendable skills, preparing professionals able to promote oral health and contribute to the prevention of oral cavity diseases.
/ Study plan
Programme structure
The three-year degree programme in Igiene dentale is developed over three years and progressively accompanies students from the acquisition of the scientific bases to the development of the clinical and professional skills of the dental hygienist.
The training integrates theoretical teaching, laboratories and internships, promoting gradual learning that is strongly oriented towards clinical practice.
First year
The first year is dedicated to the construction of fundamental scientific knowledge and the acquisition of the first professional skills.
Basic sciences: in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, physics, statistics and computer science
Biomedical fundamentals: study of the main pathological processes and preparatory disciplines for the dental area
Dental Hygiene Sciences: Introduction to the Principles of Prevention, Oral Hygiene, and the Health Profession
First professional experiences: laboratories and clinical internship to develop basic operational skills under the supervision of qualified tutors
Second year
In the second year, the clinical and preventive aspects of dental hygiene are deepened.
Oral cavity pathologies: study of the main dental and periodontal pathologies and prevention strategies
Specialist dentistry: in-depth study of paediatric and reconstructive dentistry and related clinical disciplines
Professional skills: consolidation of professional oral hygiene techniques and patient care
Clinical internship: training experiences that allow you to apply knowledge in real care settings and to develop greater operational autonomy
Third year
The last year is dedicated to consolidating professional skills and achieving operational autonomy.
Advanced dental hygiene techniques: in-depth study of the preventive and therapeutic procedures of the profession
Surgical and rehabilitation dentistry: knowledge of the main dental treatments and the role of the dental hygienist in the treatment process
Organizational and managerial aspects: deepening of medical-legal and organizational skills of professional activity
Preparation for the profession: professional internship and final exam to complete the training course and obtain the professional qualification
A study plan that integrates solid scientific foundations, clinical training and professional activities, preparing dental hygienists able to operate competently in prevention, oral health promotion and patient care in different health contexts.
Teaching approach
Teaching integrates theoretical teaching, practical activities and clinical internships, progressively accompanying the student in the development of the professional skills of the dental hygienist.
Professional clinical internships: training experiences from the first year in dental services, with progressive development of technical and relational skills under the supervision of expert tutors
Integration between theory and practice: organization of teaching in training blocks that favor the immediate application of the knowledge acquired in clinical activities
Laboratories and simulations: practical exercises on dental manikins, simulation of clinical procedures and analysis of cases to consolidate technical-operational skills
Experiences in diversified contexts: training activities at hospital dental services, local facilities, schools, kindergartens and residences for the elderly
International mobility: possibility to carry out internship periods in accredited facilities abroad, dealing with different clinical and organizational models
Personalised tutoring: constant coaching by clinical tutors who support learning and the progressive achievement of professional autonomy
Health education in the area: participation in oral health prevention and promotion projects aimed at schools, communities and different segments of the population
Bilingual training: courses in Italian and German with dedicated support for the development of language skills
The integration of theoretical training, practical activities and clinical internships allows you to develop solid professional skills and to progressively acquire the autonomy required for the exercise of the profession of dental hygienist.
Three-year programme with lectures, workshops, exercises and internships
Small group workshops to develop technical and relational skills
Internship supervised by tutors, with progressive autonomy and responsibility
Case-based learning, simulations and problem-based learning
/ Admission
The admission process
To enrol in the undergraduate degree programme in Igiene dentale, it is necessary to participate in the admission procedure provided by the Claudiana University Health Professions Centre in Bolzano, according to the procedures and deadlines indicated in the specific call for applications published on the institution's website.For the academic year 2026/27, 20 places are available.
As the programme is delivered in Italian and German, candidates must apply for admission via the online procedure provided and demonstrate adequate knowledge of both languages.
Candidates who do not have the required language certifications must take a language proficiency test organised by Claudiana.
The test tests skills in Italian and German with a level corresponding to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
To find out about the requirements, how to participate, the calendar of the tests and the required documentation, please consult the admission notice published by the Claudiana University Health Professions Centre.
For admission to the degree courses in the health professions activated by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery "A. Gemelli" at the teaching site in agreement with Claudiana - University Pole of Health Professions of Bolzano , please refer to the specific call for applications that is published on the portal of the Claudiana University Pole of Health Professions.
At Claudiana - Polo Universitario the degree courses are delivered in Italian and German, therefore, those who intend to enrol at the Bolzano campus must apply for admission through a special online procedure and take a language proficiency test (Italian and German) organised by the Polo itself: the degree of difficulty of the test corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Participation in the eligibility test is mandatory for all candidates who do not have a language certificate, according to the specifications provided on the institutional website of the teaching venue.
Useful information
Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.
Additional Educational Obligations (OFA)
Admitted students who do not reach at least 20% correct answers in the specific areas of the admission test indicated in the call for applications receive an Additional Educational Obligation (OFA), to be fulfilled within the first year of the programme.
The OFA is recovered by attending the appropriate courses organised by the University, also online, and passing the relevant final examination.
Failure to fulfil the OFA within the first year does not allow students to take the examinations scheduled for the second year of the programme.
Applicants with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)
Applicants with disabilities and/or SLD may request compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures at least seven days before the test.
Applicants with a certified disability of 66% or higher, or who are recognised under Law 104/1992, are exempt from university tuition fees but must pay the €100 fee to reserve their place.
Transfers, programme changes and second degrees
Applicants who wish to transfer from another university, apply for a second degree programme or resume their studies must meet the admission requirements.
/ Fees and funding
Tuition fees and financial support
Tuition fees and scholarships
Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.
Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.
/ Internships and careers
Internships and career opportunities
The Faculty offers several internship and apprenticeship opportunities, allowing students to apply the skills acquired in concrete work contexts.
Internships and professional training
The internship represents a fundamental component of the training course and accompanies the student in the progressive development of the clinical, technical and relational skills of the dental hygienist profession.
Thanks to direct experience in the field, it is possible to apply the knowledge acquired during the lessons and deal with the different contexts of professional practice.
Progressive clinical experiences: internship activities distributed over the three-year period, with increasing responsibility and autonomy in the management of oral hygiene and prevention procedures
Coaching of expert tutors: constant supervision by professionals who guide the development of technical, relational and organizational skills
Contact with different care contexts: experiences in dental services, health facilities and territorial realities, to learn about the different ways of exercising the profession
On-the-job learning: application of theoretical knowledge in clinical practice, developing operational precision, observation skills and patient relations
Preparation for the world of work: a professional path that promotes the construction of professional identity and facilitates entry into work contexts at the end of studies.
The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.
Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the three-year degree programme in Igiene dentale, the graduate acquires clinical, preventive and educational skills that allow him to operate independently and responsibly in the protection and promotion of oral health.
Prevention of oro-dental diseases
Implementation of professional oral hygiene interventions and promotion of oral health
Assessment of oral health status
Identification of risk factors and recognition of the main alterations of the oral cavity
Specialist clinical procedures
Performing tartar ablation, root planing, fluoroprophylaxis, sealing, and teeth whitening
Periodontal prevention
Application of primary and secondary prevention protocols for the maintenance of the health of the tooth's supporting tissues
Health Education
Information and motivation of the patient towards correct oral hygiene and eating behaviors
Design of preventive interventions
Development of oral health promotion programs aimed at schools, communities and population groups
Relationship with the patient
Management of communication with people of all ages, enhancing the educational aspect and the relationship of care
Multidisciplinary teamwork
Collaboration with dentists and other healthcare professionals in patient care
Evidence-based professional practice
Application of clinical reasoning, ethical principles and the most up-to-date scientific evidence in the planning of interventions
The preparation acquired allows them to operate competently in the various areas of dental hygiene, contributing to the prevention of oral cavity diseases and the improvement of the health of the person and the community.
Career prospects
The undergraduate degree programme in Igiene dentale trains health professionals who work in the prevention, promotion of oral health and maintenance of oral hygiene, collaborating with dentists and other health professionals in different clinical and territorial contexts.
Dental practices and outpatient clinics
Prevention activities, professional oral hygiene and assistance with dental treatments
Public and private healthcare facilities
Placement in hospitals, outpatient clinics and dental services of the National Health Service and accredited facilities
Clinics and specialist centres
Collaboration in treatment pathways in the dental, periodontal and surgical fields
Freelance
Independent exercise of the activity with prevention services, professional oral hygiene and health education
Prevention and health promotion
Design and implementation of initiatives aimed at schools, communities and population groups
Research and training
Collaboration with universities, research institutes and professional development activities
Dental industry
Technical-scientific consultancy, training and support for the development of oral hygiene products
The growing attention to prevention and oral health makes the figure of the dental hygienist increasingly in demand, offering professional opportunities in public, private and free-lance contexts.
Continuing your studies
The three-year degree programme in Igiene dentale allows students to continue training through specialisation and refresher courses in the clinical, preventive and management area of health professions.
Graduate programmes: access to second-level courses in the area of health professions and prevention, for the deepening of clinical, organizational and training skills
First level Master: specialisations in the field of dentistry and dental hygiene to deepen clinical, educational and managerial aspects of the profession
PhDs: continuation of studies, after the master's degree, in the biomedical and dental fields with a focus on scientific research
Continuing Education (CME): lifelong learning through compulsory training activities for the development and maintenance of professional skills
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