Dental surgeon performance in the context of violence against women: Minimizing the impacts of aggression

Abstract

Introduction: Violence is characterized by the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, against another person or against a group, affecting individuals of all ages and genders, being considered a serious public health problem. In turn, violence against women, whether within the family or community, is a problem of high magnitude and prevalence, which triggers physical, psychological and social repercussions, since aggressions harm health, both due to the resulting injuries and the potential to develop chronic pain, depression and low self-esteem. It is recognized as a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between genders, and according to data provided by the United Nations (UN), about 40% of Brazilian women have been victims of violence at some point in their lives. In this context, incisive interventions become fundamental, in order to minimize the impacts of aggressions, including multidisciplinary and intersectoral actions, such as medical, dental and psychological treatment and follow-up, in addition to social assistance and State protection so that their rights are safeguarded. . Based on this, the Extension Project Sorority in Dentistry was created in 2021 at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, with the aim of welcoming, in a humanized way, women in situations of violence, providing comprehensive dental care. Objectives: The objective of this experience report is to demonstrate how the Extension Project Sisterhood in Dentistry provides care to women victims of domestic violence, helping to regain self-esteem, at the same time working on the theme of violence in the field of health, based on welcoming and Comprehensive care for Dentistry students. Activities carried out: The project associated itself with temporary stay houses and NGOs, which act in the cause of violence against women, and refer women in vulnerable situations and with interest and/or need to receive dental care. In addition, women who voluntarily seek the project, either in person or through our WhatsApp, are also welcomed. Thus, the project team, which is made up of 6 volunteer students, 1 scholarship student, 4 professors and 1 professional in the area of law, schedules a consultation, providing a qualified listening, where the survey of needs and a comprehensive treatment plan and individualized is elaborated. From this, fortnightly consultations are carried out, always with the same student, in order to favor the creation of a bond and, consequently, the execution of the required care. The volunteer students who work in the project work in pairs and take turns weekly between the operator and the assistant, always supervised by the professors, each of whom is linked to a patient, which explains the fortnightly appointments. After completing the proposed treatments, patients are placed on preventive maintenance, where returns every 6 months are proposed. It is considered that all primary care procedures offered and carried out in the course of the project are free. Aiming to provide multidisciplinary assistance, the project is in contact with the institution's Psychology, studying ways to incorporate psychological care during the women's stay in college. Another point widely discussed weekly in the project is the fact that the dental surgeon plays an important role in identifying possible victims, monitoring and reporting violence to the competent bodies, since the region most affected by aggression is the head and neck region. , due to the exposure and symbolism of this body region. Results: More than 30 women, from all regions of Brazil and even Latin American countries, have already been assisted and benefited from the project's activities since its inception. As well as about 24 volunteer students have already participated in the project and offered dental care. During the consultations, a bond was created between students and patients, which significantly favored the execution and completion of the proposed treatments. The improvement in the women's self-esteem, as reported by them, as well as greater openness to interpersonal communication and the achievement of better oral health conditions, measure the positive impact of the project, based on our observation of the patients' behavior during the consultations. There were also positive repercussions among the students, as a reflection on the breadth that dental practice should be, as well as discussions on the role of women in society were proposed. Final considerations: Based on the above, it is concluded that providing care and dental care to women victims of domestic violence can minimize the negative impacts of aggression, even favoring the restoration of self-esteem and health promotion. In addition, it enables a broader training of future dentists, so that they understand the magnitude of their profession in recognizing and facing violence against women and become more prepared to offer a humanized, comprehensive and quality treatment. . It is considered that in order to carry out interventions that consider the integrality of women, a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional team is necessary, since the repercussions of aggression are observed in different areas, such as psychological, social and physical.