DENTISTRY ON WHEELS: MOBILE UNIT EXPERIENCE, UNIVERSITY EXTENSION, AND ORAL HEALTH EQUITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5212/Rev.Conexao.v.21.24813.029Abstract
The “Expedição Novos Sorrisos” was an extension initiative of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in partnership with the private sector, using a mobile dental unit to expand access to oral health care. Linked to UFPR’s Tutorial Education Program in Dentistry, it provided 90 treatments, including preventive and curative procedures, plus referrals for complex cases at the university clinic. A total of 49 students participated, supervised by faculty and postgraduates, who also managed logistics and outreach. The initiative included a workshop training 35 students in digital implant dentistry. Promotion through institutional social media and partnerships expanded its reach. The results showed mobile units’ effectiveness in overcoming geographical and socioeconomic barriers, strengthening academic training and social commitment. The experience highlighted the importance of well-structured public-private partnerships and the need to institutionalize itinerant dentistry in the Unified Health System (SUS) to ensure equitable access to oral health care.
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