Experience of Supervised Internships, Focusing Attention on the Health of Pregnant Women

Tatiana Degani Paes Leme Azevedo

doi:10.4172/2161-1122.s10-002

Abstract

This study aimed to relate the experience of structuring a supervised curricular internship program, focusing attention on the protocol used to promote oral health of pregnant women, at a Brazilian university. The internship was structured in 3 phases. The first consisted of conceptual construction, in which the students came in contact with the contextualization and theoretical grounding by means of debates, discussions about treatment protocols and interdisciplinary classes. The second phase followed, characterized by experience from the field. This phase was developed through practical action, using the protocols designed in the dental clinics of the university. Finally, there was a reflective phase in which the results of the practical experience were discussed. The proposal of this internship was able to attain the 3 pillars of university instruction: practice, teaching, and research.

Highlights

The education of future dentists must be based on prioritizing attention toward universal and high quality health care, with emphasis on the promotion of health
In 2004 a program of dental care for pregnant women was introduced to provide care to the population through community service activities, and promoting actions focused on teaching and research
It is accepted internationally that the promotion of health care directed toward pregnant women fosters health for the entire family, by means of the acquisition of healthy habits that are multiplied among all family members [22-30]

Summary

Introduction

The education of future dentists must be based on prioritizing attention toward universal and high quality health care, with emphasis on the promotion of health. Keeping professors and students in contact with local and regional reality, rethinking the very university and redefining its role in the development of the region [1] This complements the historic evolution of the dental curriculum, and points to the need for a dental generalist with paradoxical appreciation of the Biological Sciences and of technical skills at the expense of social education, occurring through the various reforms affected by political and social processes, involving different organizations and institutions of society [2]. The development of concepts and practices directed toward the promotion of oral health [17-21] is fundamental to the education of the students, allowing them to act as the modifying social agents within their sphere of influence In this context, it is accepted internationally that the promotion of health care directed toward pregnant women fosters health for the entire family, by means of the acquisition of healthy habits that are multiplied among all family members [22-30]

Objective

Discussion

Conclusion