SERVICE-LEARNING INTEGRATION PROCESS: SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE IN PROVIDING ORAL CARE TO THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

Introduction: Curriculum guidelines have reinforced the need for introducing undergraduate students to real-practice scenarios at health care services as a strategy to diversify their actuation contexts as well as to develop their critical perception, social sensibility and humanism. Aim: To report an experience on a service-learning integration process between the curricular component ‘Supervised training IX’ of the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Paraiba (FUPB) and a Family Health Unit (FHU) in Joao Pessoa – PB. Results: It was possible to develop activities at the FHU concerning to health promotion and care in view of broadening interaction mechanisms between FUPB and the health service as a model for universal care, equitable and qualified, which may give feedback to the population’s demands. Conclusion: Learning in the services potentiates curricular development, favors an approach between higher education institutions and community, and provides a room for critical reflections on the search for solving actual health problems. DESCRIPTORS: Teaching. Health Services. Oral Health.