ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the different management aspects of Centers for Dental Specialties (CEO) in Brazil. Material and Methods: Quantitative study with analysis of secondary data. The results of external evaluation of the first PMAQ-CEO cycle were considered, especially those related to planning and self-assessment, demand organization, work process, human resources as well as the availability of supplies/materials/dental equipment. The selected data were analyzed based on the calculation of proportions using the Microsoft Office Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programs. Results: The planning of actions in CEOs is conducted in nearly 80% of units, with the participation of dental surgeons, receiving support, mainly, from the local dental health or state public manager. The access to CEO is given, mostly, in a referenced or mixed (referenced and spontaneous) form. Only 49% of CEOs offer permanent education actions for workers. The work management process has been guided by quality standards of PMAQ-CEO for 77% of managers. Conclusion: The study allowed perceiving the presence of an often shared management, on the CEO organization, on self-evaluation process, planning, demand organization and work process, as well as human resources and infrastructure, showing conformity with the Oral Health National Policy guidelines. However, the results show that some problems with regard to the evaluation as work routine and management of access to CEOs still persist, pointing to the need for further studies and effort of managers to overcome them.