COLLABORATORS PROGRAM OF THE HUMAN TOOTH BANK AT TH STATE UNIVERSITY OF FEIRA DE SANTANA - EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: The Human Tooth Bank (BDH) is an institution responsible for collecting, disinfecting, cleaning, sterilizing, storing, cataloging, and lending human teeth for laboratory training and academic research. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in combating the illegal trade of human teeth by raising public awareness of teeth as anatomical structures of the human body. To support the maintenance of the BDH-UEFS collection, the Collaborators Program was established. Methodology: The program includes students from the 1st to the 10th semester of the Dentistry program at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS). Each collaborator is required to collect at least 15 teeth per semester, which are only accepted upon submission of a Donation Term or a Free and Informed Consent Form. In addition to participating in events and meetings organized by the BDH, collaborators also serve an educational role by disseminating knowledge about the institution. Results and Discussion: The introduction of collaborators led to an increase in tooth collection, ensuring an adequate supply to fulfill the demand of both students and faculty at UEFS. Moreover, the program enhanced the visibility of the BDH, reaching both the general public and Dentistry students who were previously unaware of its existence and significance. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the program has provided numerous benefits to BDH-UEFS, strengthening education, research, and community outreach while reinforcing best practices in biosafety and bioethics. Finally, the Collaborators Program serves as a model and an inspiration for implementation at other universities.