The insertion of oral health technicians: issues in dispute in the National Oral Health Policy

Abstract

The research analyzed the insertion of Oral Health Technicians (OHT) in the oral health team from 2003 and issues in dispute in the National Oral Health Policy. The study used a social-historical approach based on Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology. Documentary and literature analysis and interviews were carried out with formulators and managers of oral health policy. The municipalities presented low adhesion to teams with OHT, as well as there was evidence of maintenance of the traditional relationships of division of dental work, underutilization and greater performance in prevention. The symbolic domination of the market axis prevails in the public service and in the wider dental space, even with achievements in professional regulation. This insertion has not yet been consolidated. The limitations of policy bets, in particular this issue of OHT, should subsidize new actions, considering this symbolic domination and possible ways to tackle it.