The course aims to illustrate the innovative technologies and their impact and application in advanced dental research, education and clinics. Four relevant thematic areas are identified with their description and objectives: 1) Dental Materials Sciences Dental Material Science is the study of the properties and applications of materials used in dentistry, focusing on how these materials interact with the oral environment and support dental treatments. This field integrates principles of chemistry, physics, and biology to evaluate the mechanical, chemical, and morphological characteristics of materials such as composites, ceramics, metals, and polymers. These properties influence the materials durability, biocompatibility, and functionality in clinical applications. Dental Material Science also explores the development of novel materials, including biomaterials and nanocomposites, that aim to enhance treatment outcomes, improve patient comfort, and ensure the longevity of dental work. Through rigorous testing and research, this field advances the selection and optimization of materials for use in modern dental practices. The aim of this lesson is to provide an updated understanding of the various tests and methodologies used to evaluate dental materials, enhancing comprehension of their mechanical, chemical, and morphological properties. Students will learn about advanced testing techniques, such as tensile strength tests, surface roughness analysis, chemical analysis and biocompatibility assessments, to evaluate both established and novel dental materials. This knowledge will enable them to critically assess how these materials perform in clinical settings, and how innovations in testing can lead to better material selection. 2) Laboratory imaging (MicroCT, CLSM and FEM analysis) of instruments and endo-restorative procedures Micro-CT analysis represents a reproducible and non-destructive method for the evaluation of dental anatomy and the impact of dental treatments on its structure. Volumetric renderings allow the three-dimensional analysis of the root canal volume and the 2D analysis of the orthogonal root canal sections. FEM analysis is utilized to investigate stress distribution between models compared to other methods of analysis. A correlation between MicroCT data and FEM analysis of the instrumented dental elements can simulate the effect of dental procedures on experimental specimens in a scenario that mimic clinical condition. Confocal Laser Scanning Methods are useful to investigate the effect of treatments and substances utilized in dentistry on teeth structure and surfaces as well as the effectiveness of chemical solutions and nanoparticles on experimental bacteria and biofilm marked with fluorescent staining. The aim of this lecture is to illustrate the main features of MicroCT, FEM and CLSM in dental research and their implications in research and clinics. 3) VR haptic simulation and Artificial Intelligence in clinics and dental education Computer simulations and mixed reality are demonstrating a huge potential and stimulating increased attention in dental education and clinical practice, as they may provide a new and non-destructive approach, whereby the operator can practice and repeat procedures with no limitations and at no incremental cost. As a determinant of the learning outcome, physical interactivity with the virtual scenario through haptic technology provides tactile force feedback to the user and a more realistic experience. Virtual reality (VR) haptics in dental training offer an effective and innovative approach to simulate technical and emotional aspects of the clinical experience. It allows to reproduce a real clinical case through digital planning, virtual scenario and haptic feedback, and to save and review the trainer’s progress, the assessment of performance and outcome at any time. Furthermore, integrating artificial intelligence with the vast amount of data arising from the virtual haptic experience could allow for operator profiling, leading to more effective personalized learning and skill improvement. The aim of this lecture is to provide an updated overview on VR haptic simulations in dentistry and specifically in endodontics, its potential integration with AI and to illustrate the digital workflow of the first creation of a VR haptic simulation in modern endodontic microsurgery and its application to adequately train low expertise level operators before a real clinical case on patient. 4) Imaging and Digital guided techniques, dynamic navigation, robotics. Digital guided techniques are innovative procedures that help the clinician in the treatment of complex cases. Static guides are obtained from digital planning and 3D printing of the guides that drive the operator to the correct target. Dynamic navigation system (DNS) is an innovative tool that facilitates the management of complex endodontic cases by matching preoperative cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging, and optical sensors triangulation tracking system controlled by computer software. The cameras and motion tracking devices are attached to the dental handpiece and patient, respectively. The DNS device guides drilling at the target position according to a preoperatively-planned angle, pathway and depth. The system is more accurate and safer than conventional freehand (FH) techniques in many clinical conditions. The aim of this lecture is to provide an updated overview on guided digital procedure and dynamic navigation systems in dentistry and specifically in endodontics. Furthermore, the application of robotics dentistry and in surgical endodontics are illustrated and discussed.

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The course aims to illustrate the innovative technologies and their impact and application in advanced dental research, education and clinics. Four relevant thematic areas are identified with their description and objectives: 1) Dental Materials Sciences 2) Laboratory imaging (MicroCT, CLSM and FEM analysis) of instruments and endo-restorative procedures 3) VR haptic simulation and Artificial Intelligence in clinics and dental education 4) Imaging and Digital guided techniques, dynamic navigation, robotics. Guest lecturers: Pasqualini Damiano (Professor at Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche): Graduated in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics on July 14, 1995, with a thesis titled "Hypnosis in Odontostomatology: New Perspectives in the Therapeutic Approach to Cranio-Mandibular Disorders," with a grade of 99/110. In the second session (November 1995), he obtained the qualification to practice as a Dentist. Registered with the Order of Medical Doctors and Dentists of Turin (No. 1815 on January 16, 1996). Allegra Comba (Researcher at Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche): is a dentist and academic specializing in restorative dentistry, endodontics, and prosthodontics. She earned her dental degree from the University of Turin and a PhD from the University of Bologna. She has owned a dental practice since 2010 and serves as a clinical tutor at the University of Turin and University of Bologna. She is involved in research on adhesive systems and restorative materials, with numerous publications and conference presentations. She is an active member of several professional organizations and a reviewer for dental journals. She has received multiple research grants, including the PRIN 2022 project.

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Presentazione orale

P.D.2-2 - Maggio

May-June