Perfil do paciente com necessidades especiais atendido na Unidade de Diagnóstico Oral e Odontologia Para Pacientes Especiais (UDOPE) do estado de Sergipe no período de 2021-2024

Abstract

According to the Continuous National Household Sample Survey, the population with disabilities in Brazil in 2022 was estimated at 18.6 million people, with the state of Sergipe having the highest percentage in the country (12.1%). In the state of Sergipe, to provide dental care for patients with special needs (PNE), there are primary healthcare services, Specialized Dental Care Centers (CEO), and specialized hospitals, including a service called the Oral Diagnosis and Dentistry Unit for Special Patients (UDOPE) at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). UDOPE serves patients referred from the CEOs, and in cases not addressed on an outpatient basis, they are treated at the hospital level at the University Hospital of Sergipe. Thus, the objective of this study was to outline the epidemiological profile of the care provided at UDOPE from 2021 to 2024, with a focus on access. Data were collected from the UDOPE information system, including gender, age, special needs, municipality of origin, treatment duration, among others. During the analyzed period, 409 patients were seen (first consultation), with 41% (167) being female and 59% (242) male, with an average age of 30 (±20) years, and a prevalence in the age group of 5-21 years. Regarding the patients' origin, 43% were from Aracaju; 14% from Nossa Senhora do Socorro; 4% from São Cristóvão; and 3% from Canindé de São Francisco. Among the groups of medical diagnoses or special needs, the highest number of cases were in Group 3 – Behavioral or psychological disorders (32%), followed by Group 5 – Special systemic conditions (20%); Group 4 – Patients with systemic impairment (19%); Group 1 – Neurological disorders (15%); Group 2 – Genetic or syndromic disorders (12%); and Group 6 – Others (6%). Regarding oral diseases, dental caries had the highest prevalence – 76% (310), followed by periodontal disease at 46% (188), included third molars, non-caries cervical lesions, ankyloglossia, and dental fractures at 2%, and prolonged retention at 1%. Therefore, it can be observed that although the CEOs cover the entire state of Sergipe, there is still a concentration of care at UDOPE, which hinders patient accessibility.