Evaluation of the Impact of Oral Health on the Daily Activities of Users of the National Health System

Abstract

Background: the integration of dentistry services in the Unified Health System in Brazil (SUS) is essential in primary care assistance. Objective: we aimed to develop a tool for improving demand flowby evaluating the impact of oral health on the daily activities of users of the Family Health Unitusing the Oral Impacts of Daily Performance (OIDP)tool. Methods: In Barretos, Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted at a Family Health Unit (FHU)including patients over 12 years old. Oral health impact was assessed using the Oral Impacts of Daily Performance (OIDP) tool, and family risk was measured with the Coelho–Savassi scale. Results: 430 participants, including 411 adults and 19 young people, were recruited. Of the adults, 31% had an average OIDP score of 16.61. For young people, 53% reported an impact (average OIDP score: 28.61). Family risk (R1) was prevalent in 57.9% of young people and 53.3% of adults. Among adults, different activities were affected by risk: smiling without embarrassment (risk level 2), enjoying contact with people (risk level 3), and performing one’s job or social role (risk level 1). Emotional state (R3) had the lowest OIDP score (p = 0.029). Conclusion: implementation of the OIDP scale in clinical practice enhances healthcare planning and ensures better-quality and equitable services, thus emphasizing comprehensive oral healthcare within the SUS.