We analyzed the relationship between health education and the politics of participation and social control in health of the Municipal Health Department of Vitória, from 2005 to 2012. A documental analysis was performed in the Municipal Health Plans, Management Reports and in 139 proceedings of the Municipal Health Council (MHC). The results showed that the management guided its politics according to participation, but restricted itself to the MHC. Health education was partially treated during the meetings. When it was debated, it was as the traditional model, being configured as a strategy for population surveillance. Popular Health Education was mentioned only in the second term, but it was not accompanied by a redefinition of practices. The conclusion is that it is necessary to recognize different forms of social participation in Vitória and to further discuss the dialogic model of health education.
Health education; Social participation; Health Council