HUMANIZATION IN ODONTOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE OF PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, THROUGH “CÃO CIDADÃO” (CITIZEN DOG) - UNESP PROJECT

Abstract

The Araçatuba School of Dentistry along with the Veterinary Medical Course, both from UNESP, develop the Extension Project called “Cão Cidadão UNESP” (Unesp Citizen Dog), which is accomplished in some assistance societies, including the Dental Assistance Center to Persons with Disabilities (“Centro de Assistência Odontológica à Pessoa com Deficiência” - CAOE-UNESP). This project develops a multidisciplinary work involving professionals and students from health sciences. The project aims at developing activities to relieve stress, fear and anxiety of patients with disabilities in the moment that precedes the dental treatment. The team performs procedures such as walking with the dogs and patients, toothbrushing the dogs so the patients can see it, in order to learn and motivate themselves, dressing the dogs with some accessories such as white clothes, mask and cap, to associate with image of the dentist, making this relationship more pleasant and welcoming. It is evidenced, through reports of professionals, that the patients become calmer and more collaborative with the dentists, distracting them from the treatment focus and creating a positive bond. It should be noted that this experience has contributed to motivate the professionals to introduce new techniques for dental approach, such as Animal Assisted Therapy. It also shows that animals can be very helpful in treating people with disabilities, because they offer a lot of love, companionship and provide moments of joy and happiness to the participants.