Absenteeism in dental care: a qualitative analysis in a family health unit in Bahia
Abstract
The aim of this study to analyze the reasons for absenteeism in dental care among users of a Family Health Unit. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study carried out with 13 adult users of the oral health service at a Family Health Strategy unit. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed in full. The textual content was processed using the IRaMuTeQ software (Interface of R) and the Descending Hierarchical Classification technique was used. Four classes emerged: reasons for seeking dental care; influence of appointment scheduling on absenteeism; impacts of absenteeism on oral health; and need for treatment and self-perception of oral health. Absenteeism from dental appointments is mainly due to work schedules, forgetfulness, fear of the dentist and prioritizing other personal issues. There is a need for strategies such as extending opening hours, sending appointments reminders, and raising awareness among users about the importance of oral health.
Copyright (c) 2025 REVISTA CEREUS

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
DECLARAÇÃO DE TRANSFERÊNCIA DE DIREITOS AUTORAIS
Os autores do manuscrito submetido declaram ter conhecimento que em caso de aceitação do artigo, a Revista Cereus, passa a ter todos os direitos autorais sobre o mesmo. O Artigo será de propriedade exclusiva da Revista, sendo vedada qualquer reprodução, em qualquer outra parte ou meio de divulgação, impressa ou eletrônica.