Dental Visit in the Healthcare Program for Kids: Strategies and Challenges in the View of Oral Health Teams in Basic Health Units of Porto Alegre, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the perceptions and strategies influencing the achievement of dental visit targets in the Healthcare Program for Kids in the view of the oral health team in basic health units in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Material and Methods: Qualitative study of the descriptive-exploratory type with two focus groups at 12 Health Units in Porto Alegre, RS, with participation of 17 members of oral health teams from different units. Results: The collected data suggest the use of strategies to meet the goals of the Oral Health Program, such as an open schedule, education and health groups, days on which families attend the health unit because of the Bolsa Família Program, vaccination campaign days and home visits. The data also suggest, in order to meet the goals, working jointly with the multiprofessional team and formation of ties, allowing for a greater interaction with patients at the Health Unit, in addition to listening to the life stories of the population and the community. A better understanding of the proposal by health teams for the actions to be carried out horizontally and the greater difficulty in having children at the appointments on days when their mothers work turned out to be challenges. Conclusion: The use of these strategies tends to help and influence the maintenance and implementation of public policies oriented to dental care at an early age and reorient health practices so as to contribute to the strengthening of collectivities.

Acesso e resolutividade na atenção em saúde bucal na primeira infância: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

“…Os dados permitem inferir que a população ainda associa a Odontologia à realização de procedimentos curativos, uma vez que pré-escolares sem experiência de cárie ou lesões em mucosa acessam menos os serviços 18,20 . Os estudos observaram que o aumento na idade da criança 16,17 , maior renda familiar 17,18 , maior escolaridade materna 17 , a família residir em moradia própria 18 , melhor cobertura de serviços da atenção básica à saúde 19 , inclusão da saúde bucal nas ações programáticas de saúde infantil 19 , agenda aberta para crianças 21 , consultas coletivas 21 , busca ativa em campanhas de vacinação e visitas domiciliares 21 estiveram associados à maior acesso a serviços odontológicos na primeira infância.…”