Prospection of the Dental Care in Brazilians Public Hospitals for People with Disabilities

Abstract

A large part of the Brazilian population suffers with oral diseases. In addition, people with disabilities require greater oral health care. This public has difficulties in cleaning and chewing, in addition to suffering with limited access to health services, resulting in dental needs that can cause complications in oral health and cause systemic disorders, requiring high-complexity hospital care. This study aimed to evaluate the access scenario of people with disabilities to dental care in Brazilian public hospitals. A systematic review of the literature and data prospection was carried out through research bases and government databases. It was estimated that in Brazil about 24% of the population has some disability. However, it was observed that there is a remarkably scarce number of papers regarding this topic and also there is low hospital dental care coverage. In the time from 2008 to 2022, there was dental care coverage of only 3% for the population with disabilities, indicating that a large part of this social segment had no access to full dental services. It is concluded that it is necessary to expand the offer of hospital dental services in the Brazilian public health network for people with disabilities.