Political-Economic Awareness for Equity in Oral Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2025.15246Keywords:
Dentistry Education, Health Equity, Dentistry, Professional Practice, Oral Health, Social VulnerabilityAbstract
Objective: The research explored the political-economic awareness of Dentistry undergraduate students and graduates towards vulnerable populations and social inequities in dental care. Method: The method used was an online survey comprised of a questionnaire with 24 multiple-choice questions and 7 open-ended questions. Sociodemographic data and answers to objective questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics measuring variability, and responses to open-ended questions were compiled and coded using the content analysis method. Results: The questionnaire was accessed by 99 individuals, however, only 38 provided full answers. The study’s sociodemographic profile is made up of recent graduate young adult women who work in the state of São Paulo. The perception of the job market is influenced by personal experiences and level of education. Respondents are aware of the social determinants of oral health, value community outreach projects, and are willing to serve vulnerable populations, expressing thus a critical attitude and commitment to community social wellness. Conclusion: The interrelationship between undergraduate students and those who graduated with Brazil’s Unified Health System points to awareness of equal access to dental care and the need that health professional and community work in collaboration, articulating praxis to the social context. Since learning is fragmented, changes in the curriculum are necessary in order to achieve multidisciplinary and multidimensional integration in oral health promotion.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Margareth Santos Zanchetta, Alessandra Marcondes Arenga, Wilson Galhego Garcia, Vitória Lopes Pizzolato

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