HOSPITAL SORRIDENTE PROJECT: ORAL HEALTH CARE IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL- REPORT OF EXPERIENCE

Abstract

As this is a promising field of action, it is necessary that students are trained for the integral attention to the hospitalized patient. Financing programs of the Minas Gerais State Health Secretary understand that the presence of the dentist in the hospital, especially in Intensive Care Units, is essential for the complete and interdisciplinary health care. In this context, the Hospital Sorridente project was created, associated with the Study Group on Hospital Dentistry, by students and professors of the Dentistry course of the University Center of Patos de Minas, as an extension project, financed by an institutional scholarship, and carried out at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Patos de Minas. The aim of this work was to report the creation, implementation and actions of the project and the study group. Procedures for cleaning the oral cavity, stomatological diagnosis, continued education with the multi-professional care team, and monitoring of patients in intensive care during hospitalization are performed in an interdisciplinary manner. At the same time, the group meets every two weeks to discuss cases, prepare papers for presentations, write articles and plan, in addition to creating and updating oral hygiene protocols for hospitalized patients. The positive impacts of the project on hospital indicators related to the health of the oral cavity, as well as the opportunity for continued education for professionals of the service, and the training of students in service, to occupy future fields of work, are perceived.