The role and participation of dental auxiliary personnel in oral health promotion activities in state public health programs have not been documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the participation of dental auxiliary personnel in five towns situated in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 1994, a questionnaire was applied to all workers in public health dentistry positions, requesting information from 245 (75.4%) dental assistants and dental hygienists employed in oral health programs of these towns. The results showed that their participation in oral health promotion activities varies according to each town reality. In some local health systems, their working time are spent more in oral health promotion activities than dental clinic activities. The oral health promotion activities more often refer fluoride mouthrinse, dental plaque staining followed by supervised brushing and education activities carrying out in schools and health centers. The survey results indicated that the participation of dental auxiliary personnel in some towns is very important and contribute to improve public health dentistry practices directed to the oral health promotion.
Dental care; Dental auxiliaries; Health promotion
