Abstract
Breastfeeding (BF) and the adequate introduction of complementary feeding (CF) are strategies that have been shown to improve oral health and prevent diseases. Therefore, activities to promote these practices must be carried out by all health professionals. This article addresses the opinion of the dentist about his or her education, knowledge and role in supporting and encouraging BF and CF. It was sought, through quantitative methodology, to analyze the result of a survey carried out with dentists registered with the Regional Dentistry Council of São Paulo about their academic and professional training in these themes. The major academic contents received at college were about the benefits of breastfeeding for the prevention of general health (74.6%). Among the professionals, 27.8% of them received in-service training on BF and 21.5% on CF, with more than 80% being able to apply their knowledge on a daily basis. When asked about providing guidance on BF, only 15% responded feeling prepared to do so. Regarding whether they consider it to be the dentist's responsibility to support BF and BF, 92.3% answered yes and 85% said they needed updating. It is concluded that there is a gap to be filled with academic training and training / updates so that the dentist can effectively act in the promotion and support of BF and CF.
Keywords:
Dentistry education; Breastfeeding; Healthy complementary food; Health promotion.