FROSSARD, Wanda Terezinha Garbelini et al. Dentistry in the "PET-Saúde" Project: research and integration of teaching, service and community. Rev. ABENO []. 2011, 11, 1, pp. 51-54. ISSN 1679-5954.

The aim of this study was to show the assertive academic actions performed outside the academic scope of the dentistry course at the State University of Londrina (UEL), with the participation of health field students enrolled in the Tutorial Education Program (PET) promoted by the Health and Education Ministry. In 2010, the "PET-Saúde UEL" program was conducted in three stages: marking off the work area, theoretical reference study on the breastfeeding practice, and participation of students in gathering national data on eating habits in the first year of life. Next, the program was evaluated and the studies presented in scientific events were disseminated. Regarding the survey, it was found that: the rates of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding are close to 50%, that the consumption of sugar-based foods is high for the age group studied, and that the use of pacifiers and bottles interferes with the process of breastfeeding in children under six months of age and favors early weaning (p =0.00). Furthermore, it was concluded that the participation of dentistry students in the"PET-Saúde UEL" project has promoted changes in the processes of broadening knowledge, contributing to public services and enabling greater integration between teaching, health service and community.

: Higher Education; Dental Education; Breast feeding.