TEACHING-SERVICE INTEGRATION: HUMANIZATION AND RESOLVING PROBLEM IN DENTAL CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN TERTIARY CARE

Abstract

This study reports on the experience of dental students working at the Dental Care Service for Special Patients at the Agreste Regional Hospital (SAOPE-HRA), highlighting the teaching-service integration and its contribution to professional training and healthcare for people with disabilities. This experience report is based on the experiences of dentistry students at the Mauricio de Nassau University Center (UNINASSAU-CARUARU) at SAOPE-HRA from 2022 to 2024. The service focuses on specialized tertiary dental care, with an emphasis on humanization and problem-solving. The experience was described reflectively, analyzing the impacts of the practice on academic learning and the quality of care provided. The students' involvement in the hospital environment provided direct contact with highly complex dental care, promoting interdisciplinary learning and broadening their understanding of the role of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team. The project contributed to increasing the availability of dental treatment for people with disabilities and to the qualification of future professionals, highlighting the importance of teaching-service integration. The experience at SAOPE-HRA demonstrated that teaching-service integration strengthens academic training and promotes humane and effective care for people with disabilities. The initiative reinforces the need to expand strategies that integrate dental education with public health services.