Experience of dentistry students from the Faculdade do Amazonas – IAES in the extension project regarding multidisciplinary practices in hospital dentistry – an experience report

Abstract

Introduction: The role of the university is to train critical, reflective and ethical professionals. In this context, as an educational strategy, aligning theoretical teaching with practice, this experience took place at the Hospital and Emergency Room 28 de Agosto. The study was carried out by undergraduate students of the Dentistry course, in their sixth semester, with the practice taking place on two days a week, monthly, with a total duration of eight hours. The activities included lectures to patients, such as oral hygiene care and intraoral examinations, under the supervision of Prof. MSc. Guilherme Ferreira. Hospital Dentistry is a consolidated specialty in the care of hospitalized patients, encompassing a multidisciplinary approach and dental interventions. The care structure at the hospital was organized, ensuring safety and comfort for patients. In the Intensive Care Unit, there was one intubated patient, receiving continuous monitoring, and the other patients demonstrated good health. This experience report aims to share the experience acquired in the practice of Hospital Dentistry, highlighting the multidisciplinary work, the application of the relevant legislation and the challenges faced. Methodology: Descriptive in nature, providing an insight into the dental practices applied in the hospital environment – ​​description of the care provided, the clinical conditions of the patients, the multidisciplinary approaches and the difficulties faced by the professionals. Results and Discussion: Dental care provided to patients with various clinical conditions was observed, allowing an immersion in hospital dentistry. There was an opportunity to learn about hospital protocols and how they align with the hospital's standards and procedures, in relation to infection control and patient safety. The experience highlighted the complexity of dental care and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: The experience was an essential act for future professional practice, providing theoretical and practical learning, the opportunity to observe in a real clinical environment, to verify the complexity of hospital dental care and to adapt to the challenges of the environment.