ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION IN A PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE CENTER FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: EXTENSION EXPERIENCE WITH DENTISTRY STUDENTS

Abstract

This article sought to describe and reflect on the experience of oral health promotion carried out by Dentistry students at CAPS AD III in Mossoró/RN, highlighting the learning outcomes, challenges, and contributions of the activity to academic training and the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS). It is an experience report, developed from the direct participation of nine students in an extension activity conducted on March 23, 2026, involving approximately 27 patients in both inpatient and outpatient care. The methodology was based on participant observation, with reflective records in a field diary, and was structured into three stages: initial alignment with the multidisciplinary team, collective demonstration of oral hygiene techniques, and individualized patient guidance. The main results revealed the lack of educational actions in oral health, scarcity of material resources, and motor difficulties among some users, but also demonstrated engagement, curiosity, and appreciation of prevention by the patients. Furthermore, examples of solidarity and integration among students, staff, and users emerged, reinforcing the social impact of the initiative. It is concluded that the experience contributed to the development of technical, ethical, and humanistic competencies, strengthening the curricularization of extension and reaffirming the commitment of future professionals to universality, comprehensiveness, and equity in health care.