The aim of this article was to evaluate the oral health knowledge of pedagogy students from the Federal University of Paraíba. In order to do this students present in class rooms answered a questionnaire containing the objective requirements relative to basic knowledge on the subject. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics techniques. Out of 100 students, 83% have had access to information relating to Preventive Dentistry. The most quoted source of information was the dentist (64%). Aspects relating to bacterial plaque were generally not known by the participant group (31%), in contrast to the etiological factors that cause dental caries (55%). Although 92% of the students stated that pacifiers are harmful to the facial development of children, only 9% could identify the age limit for abandoning use of this article. Furthermore, 20% selected the ideal time for the first visit of a child to the dentist. It can be concluded that the students had a reasonable knowledge of oral health. The promotion of educational programs directed at these professionals is needed, particularly in the academic curriculum, since these professionals of the future will contribute to the children's formation, by establishing daily practices that lead to good health.
oral health; education in health; dental caries
