Prevention of oral diseases for adolescents in conflict with the law protected in the socio-educational system

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, teenagers who commit delinquent acts undergo socio-educational measures in Semi-liberty, Provisional, or Detention Units, aiming to deter recidivism and promote rehabilitation. The "Oral Health is Cool" project aims for these adolescents to feel welcomed, encouraged, and empowered to take care of their oral health while contributing to the professional and civic development of the students. Objective: To promote actions for the prevention of oral health problems among adolescents in conflict with the law held in the Socio-educational System in Belo Horizonte. Experience Report: Groups of nursing, medicine, and dentistry students held discussions with adolescents from four Socio-educational Units. They used dental mannequins to simulate oral hygiene techniques, focusing on preventing bad breath, cavities, and periodontal diseases. Smoking and drug use were also discussed. Dental hygiene kits were collected for donation to the adolescents in Provisional Units. A total of 250 young people aged 12 to 20, of both genders, were involved. To assess prior knowledge, the adolescents were challenged to demonstrate on the mannequins how they performed oral hygiene. It was observed that most of them understand the importance of brushing all teeth, the tongue, and using dental floss, but they don't have access to it for security reasons. Final Remarks: The students evaluated the actions positively and deemed it important to conduct educational activities with the detained adolescents, considering the principle of universal access to health promotion, protection, and recovery actions, as per the SUS (Brazil's Unified Health System). Furthermore, they perceive the need for the implementation of safe alternatives for dental floss usage in the Socio-educational Units.