Introduction:

Collective Oral Health is a counter-hegemonic perspective of thought and action in the field of healthcare, where political positions and community experiences are integrated into Primary Health Care. Therefore, the objective was to systematize the experience of integrating the Collective Oral Health perspective into a primary health care strategy aimed at the Pijao communities of Ortega (Tolima, Colombia), by students from the National University of Colombia, between 2016 and 2020. This was achieved using the experience systematization method from a qualitative perspective, employing an ethnographic approach. Field diaries, ethnographic interviews, participant observation, and documentary review were used.

Development:

During their interaction with the Pijao communities, the students at the National University of Colombia integrated elements of Collective Oral Health in the activities of primary health care; specifically, in oral and communicative health. This included a reflection on interculturality as a basis for dialogue with the communities and their own intercultural health services. Likewise, the health backwardness of this population and its relationship with their way of life from the social determination of health was also evidenced, and the exercise of the right to health and the mechanisms of enforceability was made dynamic. Health promotion and education actions were included, and joint projects were built to care for nature, from community participation and training of students, strengthening their capacities to participate in collective health actions.

Conclusions:

The theoretical, methodological as well practical principles of collective oral health were integrated in the experience of the students at the National University of Colombia in primary health care activities with Pijao communities in the municipality of Ortega. Thus, the organizational principles of the communities and their political agency in the field of health were strengthened.

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )