Educational program: oral health as part of healthy life (Part II)

Abstract

Oral diseases are often overlooked as a source of infection with the potential to compromise the general health. Health finds its place in the school environment par excellence, so it was intended, through this project, to complement the development of different curricular disciplines in order to share, meet needs and interests and build knowledge by providing a means to promote health at School level. Objectives: Through an inter and multidisciplinary team, formed by university professors of basic and clinical subjects of the Faculty of Dentistry of the National University of Córdoba (UNC) Argentina, it was intended to bring to the school environment the scientific knowledge linked to health promotion and prevention. These teachers acted as training agents for students from two secondary institutions located in the province of Córdoba, with the aim of training agents of change and promoters of oral health. Methods: The activities were developed in stages, a first of Action Design, a second of Execution of the activity, a third of material preparation and a fourth of oral health promotion. Results: 51 students were incorporated as health promoters, 86 attended the dentist, 355 students received Education for Health and 6 teachers were trained. Conclusion: Education is an appropriate instrument to generate habits in favor of a healthy life. Teamwork, interaction, construction and appropriation of knowledge linked to the promotion and prevention of oral health are fundamental axes not only for the achievement of immediate results but also to generate a multiplier effect that lasts over time.