Development of Educational/Informative Material
1. Information Manual - “How to help children with autism spectrum disorder overcome fear and have a positive experience at the dentist”
The dissertation by student Cristina Nunes Arruda, supervised by Prof. Vanessa Pecorari, showed the influence of parents on children's fear and anxiety about the dentist. This impact possibly also extends to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although scientific evidence on this relationship is still limited. Children with ASD often face challenges when dealing with new or unpredictable situations, which can intensify anxiety and fear. In the dental office, where sensory stimuli are intense, this experience can become even more challenging. To transform this scenario, the manual “How to help children with autism spectrum disorder overcome fear and have a positive experience at the dentist” was developed. The material brings together information and effective strategies to reduce anxiety and provide a more welcoming service adapted to the needs of these children. By making going to the dentist a more peaceful and positive experience, the manual contributes directly to children's quality of life. The manual has been carefully designed for parents, caregivers and teachers who live with autistic children. It uses accessible, didactic language and contains numerous illustrations and pictograms that facilitate interaction with the child.
Impact: Considering the particularities and individualities of children with ASD, the manual proposes specific strategies for managing fear during dental treatment. As well as contributing to social inclusion, it is an essential tool for education and health promotion, significantly improving the quality of life of autistic children.
2. Oral Health Manual - “Comprehensive care for people living with HIV/AIDS and other STIs in the Municipal Network Specialized in STI/AIDS in the City of São Paulo”
Sponsored by UNESCO, SUS, the STI/AIDS Coordination Office and the Municipal Health Department of the Municipality of São Paulo. This important 40-page manual, now in its second edition, is a guiding document for health professionals who serve this niche of the population. Prepared by Prof. Élcio Magdalena Giovani, it has been made available to all dental surgeons in the municipal network and other professionals looking for information. The launch of this 2nd edition took place in March 2023 at the Pergamon Hotel in São Paulo.
3. Oral Health - Comprehensive Care - Therapeutic protocols for the treatment of oral manifestations in patients living with HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Giovani EM (DO)
Published in May 2023 on the website of the Municipal Health Department - STI/AIDS Coordination, which is in the public domain, this document serves as a guideline for professionals and employees of the Municipal Health Department - STI/AIDS Coordination and for other dental surgeons who use this website in search of information and guidelines to promote health and improve the quality of life of this population that is stigmatized by existing prejudice.
Read more: https://www.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/cidade/secretarias/saude/istaids/index.php?p=26576
4. Why is it important to brush your teeth? Oral Health Prevention. ALCIATI CAS, Ortolani CLF (DO)
The e-book is an educational material developed within the PPGO to promote children's oral health in an accessible and playful way. It raises awareness among children and their guardians about the importance of oral hygiene from an early age, encouraging healthy habits to prevent oral diseases.
The content covers the function and development of teeth, the main oral problems, such as caries and gingivitis, and preventive strategies, including correct brushing techniques, flossing and the influence of diet on oral health. It also features interactive activities to make learning more engaging.
Its relevance lies in its social impact and innovation in preventive dentistry. The material combines education and university extension, demonstrating the practical application of academic knowledge in promoting public health. With the potential to reduce rates of oral diseases in childhood, it reinforces the importance of training professionals committed to social transformation, consolidating the relevance of the Graduate Program in generating knowledge and community impact.
5. Oral Health: Concepts and Guidelines for Educators. Ortolani CLF (DO)
The book represents a valuable resource for oral health promotion, with an educational and preventive approach aimed at children and adolescents. The book presents essential concepts about dentistry and provides tools for educators to act as agents for disseminating knowledge about oral health.
The publication covers fundamental topics such as the structure and function of teeth, cavities, biofilm, periodontal diseases, the influence of diet on oral health and prevention methods, including the use of fluoride and the importance of flossing. It also discusses harmful oral habits, such as digital sucking, pacifier use and bruxism, as well as demystifying common beliefs through a chapter dedicated to myths and truths. To enhance learning, the book includes didactic activities that make it easier for children and adolescents to assimilate the content.
The relevance of this book to postgraduate dentistry lies in its interdisciplinary approach, combining dental concepts with public health promotion strategies. By providing theoretical and practical support for oral health education, the book contributes directly to preventive actions and social impact. Its content is aligned with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and Brazilian public policies, reinforcing the importance of education as a tool for reducing inequalities in oral health.
6. Guidelines for Encouraging Breastfeeding. ALMEIDA KR; Ortolani CLF (DO)
The e-book highlights the importance of breastfeeding as an essential strategy for promoting infant and maternal health. Based on up-to-date scientific evidence, it emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding in disease prevention, child development and reducing health inequalities. It addresses important aspects such as the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk, guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques, challenges faced by mothers and strategies to overcome them. It emphasizes that breastfeeding influences orofacial development, preventing malocclusions, mouth breathing and other dental problems in childhood, demonstrating the interface between oral health and maternal and child health.
7. Preventive and Corrective Dental Care for Patients with Down Syndrome. SOUZA HM; ALVES CCB; Ortolani CLF (DO)
The e-book is an essential guide for parents and caregivers, addressing the importance of specialized and personalized dental care for this population. The book highlights how specific orofacial characteristics, such as muscle hypotonia, maxillary hypoplasia and dental malocclusion, can impact chewing, swallowing and speech, making dental treatment essential for these patients' quality of life. Careful initial assessment is one of the central points of the book, emphasizing the need for a complete medical and dental history, detailed clinical examination, radiographs and assessment of oral function. Patient cooperation and family involvement are essential aspects for successful treatment, as behavioral challenges may require specific strategies.
In addition, the book emphasizes the importance of rigorous oral hygiene, with adapted brushing and flossing techniques, as well as supervision by parents and caregivers. A balanced diet and controlling sugar consumption are key factors in preventing cavities and gum disease. Orthodontic and facial orthopedic treatment is widely covered, presenting the different types of braces, such as functional, fixed and removable, and their importance in aligning teeth and improving oral function. Frequent follow-up and maintenance of treatment are essential to ensure effective results. The book also provides strategies for successful treatment, such as adapted communication, positive reinforcement, anxiety control and active family participation.
With a multidisciplinary, humanized and inclusive approach, this book becomes an indispensable reference for the dental care of patients with Down Syndrome, promoting a better quality of life and accessible, effective care.
8. Orthodontics and Functional Jaw Orthopedics: When to start? SILVA LA; Ortolani CLF (DO)
The e-book covers in a didactic and accessible way the importance of prevention and early treatment of malocclusions and other changes in dental and bone development in children. Using clear, scientifically-based language, the material advises parents on the ideal time to consult a dental surgeon to assess and intervene in orthodontic and orthopedic facial problems, promoting the proper growth of bone bases and the correct accommodation of permanent teeth. In addition, the e-book provides practical guidance for parents, reinforcing the importance of good oral hygiene habits, the responsible use of pacifiers and preventive dental care. It also reinforces the postgraduate program's commitment to science applied to public health, translating technical knowledge into preventive actions and expanding the program's social impact.
Training Public Service Professionals
1. PPGO (Prof. Élcio Magdalena Giovani) partnership with PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) / WHO (2018 to 2024) and with the STI / AIDS Coordination of the Municipality of São Paulo, in the Area of Assistance
Alongside the social inclusion and health promotion projects carried out by this partnership, continuing education courses have also been developed, with the aim of sharing knowledge and updating all the dental surgeons in the RME (Specialized Municipal Network), Primary Care and the dental surgeons who work in private clinics. These actions have a direct impact on improving professionals' knowledge, which has repercussions on the quality of care provided to the population. During the four-year period, 29 courses/meetings were held, with an average attendance of 35 dental surgeons per event, totaling an overall average of 1,015 trained professionals. The courses and meetings were taught by UNIP professors, students or graduates, under the guidance of Prof. Élcio M. Giovani.
2. Partnership between the PPGO (Prof. Cristina Ortolani) and the Maceió Health Department (2023, 2024)
At the same time as the social inclusion and health promotion project carried out through this partnership, training was also given on dental care for children with microcephaly, with the aim of sharing knowledge and updating all the primary care dentists and the dentists from the Federal University of Alagoas. Around 70 dentists took part. These actions have a direct impact on improving the quality of care provided to this niche population by public and private service professionals. The partnership was featured in an article and on the Maceió City Hall website (link provided in the interviews section). The e-books developed in the Program were made available for distribution in basic health units in Maceió. Aimed at disseminating knowledge in a practical way, these materials empower the population to take better care of their own health, guaranteeing an improved quality of life for everyone.
Interface with Basic Education PIBIC/EM
During the four-year period, UNIP and the PPGO were awarded a grant from the Institutional Scholarship Program for High School Scientific Initiation, PIBIC/EM, under the guidance of Prof. Cristina F. Ortolani, as a result of the social actions already developed by this teacher and her students.
The participating school is the Alexandre de Gusmão State School, and the research was entitled: “The Internet and social networks as a space for oral health education”.
The digitalization of society has transformed the way health information is disseminated. In dentistry, the Internet and social networks have great potential for oral health education, expanding access to scientific content and encouraging preventive practices. This research investigates how these platforms influence the population's knowledge and behavior. The study analyzes communication strategies used by professionals and institutions, identifying good practices and challenges in producing accessible and reliable educational content. The project's relevance lies in its ability to bring together technological innovation and health promotion, in line with contemporary university teaching and extension guidelines.
Smile at School Project
In line with CAPES guidelines for the inclusion of postgraduate programs in basic education and considering that oral health education is part of the compulsory school curriculum in Brazil, the PPGO implemented an educational action plan in 2014: the Smile at School Project. The project is structured around three fundamental pillars: the family, the educators and the children, promoting an integrated cycle of learning and practice.
The activities carried out include oral health promotion and education, analysis of students' prior knowledge about oral hygiene and quality of life, as well as supervised brushing practices. To ensure that everyone involved is properly trained, specific courses and teaching materials have been created for children, educators and parents.
The project is being carried out at the Prof. Pedro Voss State School, serving approximately 400 elementary school pupils (cycle I) aged between 6 and 12. Under the coordination of Prof. Cristina Ortolani, the initiative has the active participation of PPGO students, promoting the integration of teaching, research and extension. In 2024, the initiative was expanded to include undergraduate dentistry students, further strengthening the link between the different levels of academic training.
The activities, interrupted only during the pandemic, include:
Exploring the Magic World, a playful introduction to the universe of Adventure Tooth, using stories, animated videos and interactive activities to engage children. Educational materials such as posters and games, developed by undergraduate students, enrich the learning experience. Then, in the Brushing Workshops, practical demonstrations are given to teach proper oral hygiene techniques. With the help of dental models and brushes, the children practice brushing under direct supervision and receive kits with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Learning is also reinforced through theater and dramatizations, where the children act out everyday situations related to oral hygiene in a creative and dynamic way. In addition, educational talks cover topics such as the use of fluoride, healthy eating and the importance of regular dental appointments, allowing interaction and clarification of doubts. Finally, the creation of educational materials encourages the creative expression of the children, who produce drawings, posters and stories about oral hygiene, which are then displayed in the school to collectively reinforce the knowledge acquired.
In 2024, epidemiological surveys of caries and clinical evaluation of teeth were started, for future effective action to tackle caries.
This project exemplifies the PPGO's commitment to disseminating knowledge and training professionals committed to promoting public health. The integration between postgraduate studies and basic education not only strengthens the social insertion of the program, but also generates direct positive impacts on academic training and the quality of life of the children served.
Economic, Social and Cultural Impact of the Program
One of the PPGO's areas of action is projects with a strong socio-economic and cultural impact. The projects are developed in partnership with public bodies, parents' societies, public schools and the third sector, and involve everything from assistance for people with special needs, the development of care protocols, professional training and technological innovation to reduce rehabilitation costs. Many of the projects presented in the last quadrennial report have been improved and new initiatives developed. Below are the main projects developed by PPGO professors during the four-year period:
Rehabilitation of Patients with Oral and Maxillofacial Deformities Due to Oral Cancer - Partnership with the Third Sector: OSCIP - Instituto Mais Identidade
The Instituto Mais Identidade (More Identity Institute) was founded to enable assistance and scientific activities in the area of oral and maxillofacial rehabilitation at Universidade Paulista (UNIP), in partnership with the “Head and Neck Surgery” discipline at Unifesp. Chaired by Prof. Luciano Dib, the Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care of patients with facial deformities, with the participation of UNIP teachers and students and the application of innovative techniques developed at the PPGO. The Institute's actions have a significant social impact, not only by enabling the rehabilitation and reintegration of patients into society, but also by training highly specialized professionals to manage and rehabilitate these patients. It also promotes preventive initiatives aimed at the community, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and quality of life. The partnership between UNIP and the Institute resulted in the construction of a Care Center within the premises of the Dentistry - Indianópolis clinic. This center has a modern and complete infrastructure, including: clinical care rooms; a surgical center; a conventional prosthesis laboratory; a digital laboratory with state-of-the-art technology and 3D printing; a “color-room”, an environment specially designed for color taking and facial scanning; classrooms, meetings and psychosocial care. The PPGO plays an active role in both care activities and the production of high-impact research, and is responsible for developing studies that redefine the parameters of facial rehabilitation. The Care Center began its activities in 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, consolidating itself as a milestone within the academic structure. This unprecedented initiative positions UNIP as an incubator for the Institute, in line with the guidelines of social responsibility and innovation within the ESG spectrum.
In recent years, the PPGO - Instituto Mais Identidade partnership has transformed the lives of more than 300 patients, providing maxillofacial rehabilitation that has impacted not only the patients, but also their families, promoting significant social reintegration. This work goes beyond physical rehabilitation, including psychosocial support through a collaboration with UNIP's Psychology Course, where professors and students work together to strengthen patients' self-esteem and recover their identity.
In addition, the partnership, through proposals for therapeutic protocols resulting from research carried out at the PPGO, generates technological innovation, reduces costs and expands the care and social reintegration of the population. Between 2022 and 2024, through an agreement with the Department for People with Disabilities of the municipality of São Paulo, 40 patients with oculopalpebral deformities were treated, a pioneering initiative in the capital. Until then, this type of care was the responsibility of the state, making this action a milestone in municipal assistance. This care was made possible through funds (R$1,955,000) obtained directly from the Ministry of Health, through the PRONAS/PCD Program (National Program to Support Health Care for People with Disabilities).
These are just some of the countless achievements of this partnership, which has generated academic advances, training for specialized professionals, scientific and technological innovation, as well as a significant improvement in patients' quality of life. The impact of this initiative is widely recognized, reflected in hundreds of articles and reports published in major media outlets such as O Estado de S. Paulo, Folha de S. Paulo, Jornal da Bahia, UOL, Globo, G1, as well as broadcasters such as SBT, Globo and Record. This recognition shows how academic research in dentistry plays a fundamental role in transforming Brazilian society.
Oral Health Promotion Center
The Oral Health Promotion Center was created to foster integration between teaching, research and extension to promote oral health, prevent oral diseases and offer quality dental treatment, prioritizing care for vulnerable populations and the development of evidence-based clinical approaches. Another objective is to train undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop and apply programs that promote oral health and offer dental treatment, with an emphasis on reducing inequalities in access to care and improving the quality of life of the communities served.
The Center currently has three projects: Sorria na Escola, GruPAM (Microcephaly Research and Support Group) and Sorria Paraty.
The actions of GruPAM and Sorria Paraty are described below.
1. Smile at School (described under “Interface with Primary Education”)
2. GruPAM
Since 2018, the PPGO, under the leadership of Prof. Cristina Ortolani, has stood out in assisting children with Zika Virus Congenital Syndrome, consolidating an innovative action with great social and scientific impact. Initially conducted in Parents' Associations in five states in the Northeast, the services were resumed in 2022, after the pandemic, at AFAEAL - Associação das Famílias de Anjos do Estado de Alagoas, in the Benedito Bentes neighborhood of Maceió.
The infrastructure adapted for the services, such as the use of an office bus provided by the then State Representative Jó Pereira, ensured the continuity of the actions. In April 2023, the team returned to Maceió for an intensive week of consultations and scientific data collection, strengthening the program's commitment to applied research. Subsequent visits were carried out in September and November of the same year, expanding the impact of the initiative.
Thanks to a partnership between the Maceió Health Department, AFAEAL and UNIP's PPGO, children with microcephaly are now being treated at the Dr. Ib Gatto Falcão Health Reference Unit in Tabuleiro do Martins. The initiative not only offered specialized dental care, but also implemented innovative therapeutic approaches, such as oral health assessment, dental procedures, screening for tongue surgery, laser application, therapeutic bandaging and the use of essential oils for bruxism, as well as providing detailed guidance on oral hygiene.
The project also excelled in disseminating knowledge, promoting lectures for parents and caregivers on adapted brushing techniques and oral health.
The training of public dentists in dental care for children with microcephaly strengthened the initiative's continuity and ensured a legacy of applied knowledge.
The impact of the Program gained media recognition, being widely publicized in reports and on the institutional channels of the Maceio City Hall. In addition, Prof. Cristina Ortolani's participation in the “III Seminar Living and Learning with Microcephaly”, promoted by the State Health Department and AFAEAL, strengthened the scientific exchange and institutional recognition of the project.
One of the initiative's major milestones was obtaining dental equipment for AFAEAL, made possible by a project submitted to and approved by Pró-Vida. The dissemination of the research results in radio and TV interviews boosted donations, culminating in the opening of the dental office at the association's headquarters in December 2024, guaranteeing the continuity and expansion of services.
This project represents a model of integration between teaching, research and extension, demonstrating a solid commitment to social transformation and the generation of high-impact scientific knowledge. The structuring of strategic partnerships and innovative therapeutic approaches have consolidated the initiative as a national benchmark in dental care for children with Zika Virus Congenital Syndrome.
3. Smile Paraty Project
Launched in 2024, Sorria Paraty is a project aimed at promoting the oral health of children in Paraty's public school system. The result of a partnership between UNIP's PPGO and Paraty City Hall, it aims to monitor some of the region's children and young people who take part in the project.
The action proves that the union between the private and public sectors can have an impact on the population's health and create a healthier and more conscious reality for future generations.
The project's differential lies in its continuous and structured approach, which goes beyond traditional one-off brushing campaigns. The aim is to create a sustainable model of care, with regular monitoring of schoolchildren, integration between teachers and health professionals and the involvement of families in the educational process.
Divided into workshops, the project combines education and the effective fight against caries, with the dentist in charge of oral health in the place most frequented by the target audience: the school.
Participants are given the information, followed by an epidemiological survey of caries and a clinical assessment of the teeth, with effective action to combat caries.
Every action is carried out in a playful way, with information from the e-book “Why it's important to brush your teeth”, written by Dr. Cristina Ortolani and Dr. Carla Alciati, launched at FLIP (Paraty International Literary Festival) in 2023.
During the days of the actions, the following activities are carried out: Practical brushing workshops; Distribution of the book “Why is it important to brush your teeth?”; Distribution of toothbrush and toothpaste kits; Supervised brushing; Caries risk assessment; Salivary pH test; Assessment of the DMFT index; Assessment of malocclusions; Tackling caries with ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment); Guidance for teachers on how to approach the subject of oral health in the classroom.
The first action took place on August 12 and 13, 2024, with the participation of students from UNIP's PPGO, under the coordination of Professor Cristina Ortolani, and benefited 165 children from the Pingo de Gente Integrated Municipal Early Childhood Education Center.
In November, further expanding the impact of the initiative, the actions were taken to a public school, a quilombola school and a school in an indigenous village. In this way, we promoted knowledge and dental care to the communities that need it most, strengthening our commitment to inclusion and equity in oral health.
The activities took place at the Casa da Criança Municipal School, Patitiba, on November 18th, where 155 children aged between 7 and 9 were treated. At the José de Melo Municipal School, Quilombo do Cabral, on November 19 (afternoon), 50 children between the ages of 4 and 12 were treated. In the Itaxi Village, Guarani Tava Mirim State Indigenous School, Paraty Mirim, on November 19 (morning), where 80 children from the Itaxi village attended, aged between 1 and 9.
On Black Awareness Day, an oral health campaign was held in the Quilombo do Campinho, with 37 children being treated, reinforcing our commitment to equity and the well-being of all communities.
The actions had repercussions with publications on Paraty City Hall's social media and in the newspaper.
In addition to preventing tooth decay, Sorria Paraty aims to create a school environment where oral health is seen as an essential part of child development, training children to be more aware and capable of maintaining healthy habits throughout their lives.
Social Inclusion Projects called “University in the Community”
In partnership with undergraduate and postgraduate courses, this initiative promotes social inclusion and citizenship for vulnerable and at-risk populations in and around the outskirts of São Paulo. The PPGO is part of this action through the project “University in the Community: assessing the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases based on sexual experiences”.
After approval by UNIP's Research Ethics Committee, in addition to administering the questionnaire, educational workshops are offered, covering essential topics for promoting health and improving quality of life. When oral manifestations are identified, participants are referred to CEAPE-UNIP for specialized diagnosis and treatment.
As part of the commitment to education and awareness-raising, an educational booklet and an explanatory blog were developed, both aimed at clarifying doubts and increasing access to information. The project has the active participation of undergraduate, scientific initiation and postgraduate (specialization, master's and doctorate) students, consolidating a transformative academic experience with a social impact.
Coordenadoria IST/AIDS - CEAPE (Centro de Estudos e Atendimento a Pacientes Especiais - PVHIV/Aids) UNIP - PPGO: This partnership promotes excellent care for people living with HIV/AIDS. CEAPE UNIP stands out not only for its qualified reception, but also for its fundamental role in research and academic training. Patients are seen by undergraduate, specialization, master's and doctoral students, with full logistical support and access to the latest advances in dentistry.
The actions of this partnership are offered completely free of charge. Whenever dental surgeons from the 16 SAEs (Specialized Care Services of the STI/AIDS Coordination) face difficulties in making a diagnosis or need tests such as biopsies, exfoliative cytology, computed tomography, panoramic and occlusal X-rays, as well as molecular biology tests, the cases are referred to CEAPE UNIP for assessment and personalized treatment. In addition to clinical care, Continuing Education Courses are offered at least six times a year for dentists from the STI/AIDS Coordination and the Street Clinics Program. In these courses, we share the most up-to-date knowledge, preparing professionals for the challenges of daily practice and ensuring a positive impact on patients' quality of life. Currently, the events take place online, taught by professors and postgraduate students from UNIP, who also offer ongoing support to professionals in referring patients for diagnosis and treatment at CEAPE UNIP. In addition to these initiatives, there is a weekly service dedicated to patients undergoing HIV/AIDS treatment at the SAE CECI - Jabaquara Unit. Due to the lack of structure for a dental office at the unit, CEAPE has fully taken on this demand. This commitment to the oral health of the population living with HIV/Aids has continued for more than 25 years, consolidating itself as a reference in promoting the well-being and quality of life of these patients.
UNIFESP Kidney and Hypertension Hospital
Dental care for patients with renal insufficiency - kidney transplant patients or those in the process of transplantation, with the aim of promoting oral health at all levels and also improving their quality of life. An educational manual with a specific focus on this population is currently being edited.
Social Insertion Project with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social action carried out at the Association of Friends of Autistic Children (AUMA), an NGO and school specializing in the care of autistic people, during AUMA's 1st Cultural Fair (April 2023 - SP). Approximately 50 families took part in the event, which included talks and the donation of a manual produced by Prof. Vanessa Pecorari, her advisor Cristina Nunes Arruda and doctoral student Wagner dos Santos e Santos, under the guidance of Prof. Elcio Magdalena Giovani.
The interactive educational activity aimed to promote integration, reflection, learning and knowledge among the participants about how to help a child with autism spectrum disorder overcome fear and have a positive experience at the dentist. Parents were also provided with a pictogram template and all the children present were given a kit containing a toothbrush and toothpaste provided by the lecturing dentists. The manual “How to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder overcome fear and have a positive experience at the dentist” was also given to the parents and leaders of the NGO and is available to dentists with an interest in the area.
PPGO Partnership (Prof. Elcio Magdalena Giovani) with PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) / WHO (2018 to 2024) and with the STI/AIDS Coordination of the Municipality of São Paulo, in the Area of Assistance
Alongside the social inclusion and health promotion projects carried out by this partnership, continuing education courses have also been developed, with the aim of socializing knowledge and updating all the Dental Surgeons in the RME (Specialized Municipal Network), Primary Care and the Dental Surgeons who work in private clinics. These actions have a direct impact on improving professionals' knowledge, which has repercussions on the quality of care provided to the population. During the four-year period, 29 courses/meetings were held, with an average attendance of 35 dental surgeons per event, totaling an overall average of 1,015 trained professionals. The courses and meetings were given by UNIP professors, students or graduates under the guidance of Prof. Elcio M. Giovani.