ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN THE SISAL TERRITORY, BAHIA, BRAZIL: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a strategic role in health promotion; however, they may still feel insecure when addressing specific oral health needs. This experience report describes an extension activity carried out in 2022–2023 by the Tutorial Education Program in Dentistry at the State University of Feira de Santana (PET Odontologia/UEFS), in partnership with the Collective Oral Health Observatory, in the municipalities of Teofilândia and Candeal, Bahia, Brazil. The activities included interactive presentations, myth-and-fact dynamics, and discussion groups addressing social determinants of health, oral anatomy, oral hygiene, dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancer. A total of 43 CHWs participated, demonstrating engagement and recognizing the relevance of their role within the Family Health Strategy, while also revealing insecurity regarding more specific dental topics. The experience promoted knowledge exchange, reflection on everyday practices, and the expansion of knowledge, highlighting the importance of continuing education. It is concluded that university extension strengthens the work of CHWs and contributes to bringing universities and communities closer together.