Analysis of the Feasibility of a Multidisciplinary Hospital Dental Service for People with Specific Needs at a University Hospital in Tocantins

Abstract

Data from the Ministry of Health in Brazil inform that a large part of the Brazilian population suffers from the presence of diseases in the oral cavity. However, when the topic of people with disabilities or special needs is addressed, we are faced with a lack of data, although it is known that this group requires special attention to oral health. These individuals face challenges in hygiene and chewing, in addition to facing significant restrictions in access to health services, which results in dental needs that can trigger complications and systemic disorders, often requiring highly complex hospital interventions. This work aims to carry out a physical-financial feasibility study to create a multidisciplinary hospital dental service for patients with disabilities or special needs and propose the flow and service protocol for the new service. A study of the physical structure was carried out in the years 2021 and 2022 in order to know the location of the possible implementation of the dental service in the university hospital (HU), as well as financial research through public domain websites in order to verify the costs for implementation and the possible monetary return on the service. A protocol was created containing the criteria for caring for these patients and using the Bizagi Modeler® program it was possible to map the process and develop the care flow. The results demonstrate the possibility of increasing the number of patients served, the economic viability and financial return of the service. It was verified that there is feasibility in creating a dental service in the university hospital studied as a potential resource to improve the use of personnel, time and physical space and that a future implementation of the service will imply an increase in the number of patients with better care at the population in need, as well as the increase in fundraising for the hospital.