O perfil das atividades preventivas e restauradoras em crianças com idade escolar na cidade de Aracaju-SE

Abstract

Among the practices of Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) protocol was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), since 1994, in order to stop caries disease. This technique presents advantages when compared to the conventional restorative treatment, since it is able to offer a minimally invasive approach, quality, accessible and inexpensive therapy. Characterized by its practicality and dispensing from the use of traditional dental equipment and electricity, this technique contributes to the access to dental services of public health and favors approaching of the patient within its social context. The objective of this study was to analyze the profile of preventive and restorative activities carried out by dentists of the Basic Health Units in school-aged children. An exploratory and descriptive field survey was carried out by means of a non - disguised questionnaire composed of 21 objective questions, applied to dental surgeons working in the Basic Health Units of Aracaju city, Sergipe, Brazil. The instrument was divided and structured in 4 parts: Management of equipment and materials; Management of health care and care; Preventive procedures; and Restorative Procedures. The questionnaire, of investigative and educational nature, was applied by a single interviewer and questions were applied personally in the Basic Health Units, being guaranteed the anonymity of participants. Out of 44 Basic Health Units visited and 60 Oral Health Team implanted in the city, 44 teams participated in the research. The results were verified, tabulated and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Representative charts were prepared in order to analyse the results. The results demonstrate almost the majority of dentists (67%) claim to know ART. However, it is not adopted by all professionals and, even so, it is restricted to the Basic Health Units environment. Statistical data also show that there is no effective guidance regarding preventive and restorative clinical care performed in school-age children, since most are unaware or do not follow any available protocol. It can be inferred that there is a lack of clarification, by the part of dental surgeons, on what is the policy advocated by the Health Unic System and what should be their function as a professional member of the Oral Health Team.