102) Oral Health Promotion in the Quinta da Bonjóia

The Foundation for Social Development of Porto (FDSP) and the Order of Dentists have signed a cooperation protocol which provides for joint operations to promote oral health. The first starts earlier this month in the Quinta da Bonjóia. In order to reach all the needy population of Porto, this partnership begins with a first phase cover children.

Orlando Monteiro da Silva, president of the Chamber of Dentists, who are moved to finalise the details of the campaign "John Dentex" which will cover 1.3 million children across the country. In Porto, the site chosen is the Quinta da Bonjóia, which will be distributed kits of oral hygiene. It will also mounted a dental practice with the equipment necessary for the conduct of surveys and, for the neediest children, provides two free consultations. To the Board of Porto lie ensure the movement of schools until this impromptu clinic at the headquarters of the FDSP.

Orlando Monteiro da Silva believes that the Quinta da Bonjóia can transform itself as soon as possible on the campus of professional dentistry with the conduct of scientific congresses, the promotion of professional training and the definition of a cultural programme of the responsibility of the Order. The officer also said that there are already several scientific societies interested in participating in this project including colleges with degree in Dental Medicine.

For the chairman of the Board of FDSP the biggest advantage of this partnership is to allow the issue of oral health reaches the municipal tenants, 20 percent of the population of the city. Matilde Alves believes that this important issue, neglected in many cases, reaching the quarters of the chamber to increase the degree of citizenship and to improve self-esteem of the residents. The idea is to transport them to the Quinta da Bonjóia and take advantage of the dental clinic here improvised.

The chairman of the Chamber of Dentists is confident that with this partnership can reach other needy public inserted into social programs of the Board of Porto competition and users of the program happy Oporto.

Ana Magalhães
O Primeiro de Janeiro