Oral health care offered to people with disabilities in the primary health care network: what do dentists say?

Abstract

To evaluate the oral health care offered to people with disabilities (PDs) from the perspective of dentists in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 70 dentists working in the primary health care network of Joao Pessoa, with sampling error of 10 %. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by a single interviewer after pilot test. Descriptively and analytically analyzed using the chi-square test (α < 0.05). The perception of dentists on oral health care offered to PDs was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed by qualitative content analysis. According to reports of dentists, OH care is offered to PDs in the primary health care network mainly through preventive procedures (51.4 %). Oral health treatment needs were not carried out completely during the treatment plan (81.4 %) due to a lack of patient cooperation (44.3 %) and the inadequate physical structure of primary health care units (8.6 %). Dentists consider that PDs do not receive adequate dental care (61.4 %). There was an association between academic training of dentists and dental assistance to PDs (p <0.05). Dentists are of the opinion there is a need for changes in the health care network, professional training and family support of PDs. Oral health care is offered for PDs in the primary care network, but PDs needs are not fully met. The dentists highlighted professional training, a closer relationship with caregivers and family members, as well as changes in the health care network and improved accessibility of primary health care units as important factors.