PA Dos Santos

About

Paulo Afonso dos Santos has dedicated his career to advancing pediatric oral health, with a particular focus on developing effective, engaging strategies for improving oral hygiene in school-aged children. His landmark 2003 study, "Evaluation of motivation methods used to obtain appropriate oral hygiene levels in schoolchildren," stands as his most cited work, with 29 citations, and remains a foundational reference in behavioral dentistry. In this research, conducted in Araraquara, Brazil, he pioneered the use of innovative motivational tools, such as "The Smiling Robot," to compare indirect instruction methods against traditional classroom-based approaches. His major contribution lies in demonstrating that creative, child-centered motivation techniques can significantly enhance oral hygiene compliance among young learners, bridging the gap between dental education and practical behavior change. By systematically evaluating these methods, Dos Santos provided evidence-based guidance for public health programs and school-based interventions. His work continues to influence pediatric dentists and educators seeking to make oral care both effective and enjoyable for children, cementing his role as a key figure in community oral health promotion.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Evaluation of motivation methods used to obtain appropriate oral hygiene levels in schoolchildren^*

   29 citations · 2003

Key Collaborators

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