Integrating Transgender Oral Health into Dental Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5335/rfo.v31i1.18499

Keywords:

Transgender Persons; Dental Education; Dental Care; Health Equity; Community-Based Participatory Research.

Abstract

Objective: This experience report describes the development of a research project on the oral health of transgender people in southern Brazil, highlighting its contributions to dental education. Experience report: The project involved faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students and included participant recruitment, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and collaboration with local healthcare services. Throughout the experience, the research team developed competencies in communication, active listening, ethical decision-making, and person-centered care while addressing challenges related to community engagement and trust-building. The experience strengthened collaboration between the university and healthcare services and reinforced the value of integrating teaching, research, and community engagement in dental education. Final Considerations: Community-based educational experiences can contribute to preparing dentists to provide more inclusive, equitable, and person-centered oral healthcare. 

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Author Biographies

  • Felipe Somavilla Binotto, University of Passo Fundo (UPF)

    DDS (Federal University of Santa Maria, 2018-2023) and Master’s student in Dentistry (University of Passo Fundo) with a research focus on 3D-printed resin-based and ceramic materials. Also interested in epidemiology and oral health self-perception, particularly in relation to functional and psychosocial outcomes.

  • Valquíria Martins de Brum, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)

    Valquíria Martins de Brum is a Master's degree in dentistry and researcher engaged on public health dentistry and marginalized communities.

  • Layanne Almeida da Silva Gindri, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)

    Layanne Almeida da Silva Gindri is a Master's degree in dentistry and researcher engaged in community-based research and health promotion initiatives.

  • Beatriz Unfer, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)

    Beatriz Unfer is a senior researcher and professor at UFSM with expertise in public health dentistry, oral health education, and qualitative research.

  • Luísa Helena do Nascimento Tôrres, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

    Beatriz Unfer is a senior researcher and professor at UFRGS with expertise in public health dentistry, oral health education, and qualitative research.

References

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Published

2026-09-29

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2026): RFO

Section

Investigação Científica

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Revista da Faculdade de Odontologia - UPF

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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This work is licensed under aCreative Commons Atribuição-NãoComercial-SemDerivações 4.0 Internacional.

How to Cite

Integrating Transgender Oral Health into Dental Education. (2026). Revista Da Faculdade de Odontologia - UPF, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.5335/rfo.v31i1.18499