Atenção à saúde bucal dos pacientes pediátricos da hemato-oncologia/HUSM: relato de experiência

Abstract

Childhood cancer is a group of several diseases which in common the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells and can occur anywhere in the body. One of the main strategies used in childhood cancer's treatment is chemotherapy alone or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy. Knowing the patient's oral health conditions before and during the chemotherapy as well as the most prevalent changes while the therapy's onset may give a orientation to dental practices that prevent or minimize oral complications and contribute to patient´s quality of life. With this it was proposed an extension project at the Santa Maria University Hospital at the Children with Cancer Treatment's Center. The activities of the academics in this project comprise the period from 2014 to 2015. For the students enroled the project contributed to their professional qualification by encouraging reflection and enabling them to face unsual situations in undergraduate studies and also by allowing a multiprofessional work, showing how important it is to know and respect different knowledge areas and approaches for the patient's well-being. The project also contributed to the students personal growth since the patients and their caregivers used to share their struggles and hopes. These experiences confirmed the university extension requirement for the qualification of professionals who are commited to the patient's health while respecting their humanity.