ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Oral health education in schools and communities is a fundamental axis for the promotion of collective health, especially in contexts where socioeconomic inequalities influence access to dental services. By integrating educational practices into daily school and community life, it becomes possible to build individual and collective competencies that favor autonomy and the adoption of preventive behaviors. Childhood is recognized as a strategic period for the development of lasting habits, and therefore, systematized oral health education actions play a crucial role in the formation of citizens who are more aware of their health. In community settings, these practices broaden the reach of interventions, strengthening social bonds and stimulating co-responsibility among families, health professionals, and public institutions. Several studies indicate that structured educational programs—which combine playful activities, practical demonstrations, discussion groups, and longitudinal follow-up—contribute significantly to the reduction of caries rates, periodontal diseases, and other preventable conditions. Furthermore, interdisciplinary approaches involving teachers, community agents, and dentists enhance the effectiveness of actions, as they allow for the continuous integration of oral health into the school curriculum and community routines. Horizontal dialogue, respect for local knowledge, and the adaptation of pedagogical strategies to the cultural realities of each territory are also key elements for the success of interventions. Another relevant aspect is the role of oral health education in promoting equity. By bringing information, prevention, and care closer to vulnerable populations, these initiatives contribute to reducing disparities and strengthening social protagonism, especially in regions with higher rates of oral disease. When articulated with public policies, such actions become powerful tools to improve primary care and reinforce the commitment to health promotion. Thus, investing in oral health education in schools and communities means not only preventing diseases but also promoting dignity, well-being, and quality of life, consolidating a more humane, comprehensive, and sustainable care model.