ACADEMIC LEAGUE ON ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN BAHIA STATE (LABESB): EXPERIENCE OF DENTAL STUDENTS WITH ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health promotion consists of a set of preventive actions with a collective nature aimed to make individuals aware of their own health. In this background, health education seeks to integrate between theory and practice. Objective: To analyze the study and practice of health education performed by dental students participating of the Academic League on Oral Health Education in Bahia State (LABESB). Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study reporting the experience of LABESB members between March 2011 and December 2013. LABESB is a nonprofit organization that works with the scientific community and is affiliated to School of Medicine and Public Health of Bahia (EBMSP). LABESB activities are divided into three areas: didactic, healthcare assistance and scientific production. Results: LABESB members have performed over 32 educational activities in the communities of the state capital and inland cities of Bahia. Several groups have been approached, including infants, children, adolescents, adults, elderly, hospitalized patients and patients with hearing disabilities. The activities were developed aiming to fulfill the specific needs and problems of each group and find the best way to motivate them to assume a new attitude toward their own health. Conclusion: The continuous study on oral health education developed by LABESB is important to encourage dental professionals to carry on a more efficient and socially fair dentistry. DESCRIPTORS Health Education; Health Promotion; Community Dentistry.