Improvement Proposal for Enhancing the Role of Dentists Within the Family Health Strategy Workframe

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to develop an improvement proposal for enhancing the role of dentists within the Family Health Strategy (FHS) framework in a municipality in the Vale do Itajaí region.   Method: The methodology adopted in this study comprised exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative research. Data collection took place in a municipality with 18 primary health care units. The participants were 10 dentists working in these units, who responded to semi-structured interviews.   Results and Discussion: Data were consolidated through content analysis, revealing four categories for discussion: 1) management and its implications on dental practice; 2) strategic planning as a tool for dental practice-related actions; 3) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic on the work process of dentists; and 4) the importance of more dental professionals within the FHS.   Research Implications: the oral health management model of the study municipality was not well defined, there is a lack of epidemiological data, health indicators and the territorialization process in the territory assigned to each UBS, difficulty in communication and understanding as required of the coordinator in oral health.   Originality/Value: The proposed flowchart for improving the dentist's role within the Family Health Strategy represents innovation in Primary Care.