Planes, políticas públicas y estrategias de salud bucal en Latinoamérica y el Caribe (1991-2018) / Plans, public policies and strategies of oral health in Latin America and Caribbean (1991-2018)

Introducción: La identificación de políticas públicas y estrategias en salud bucal, así como lo relacionado con sus propósitos, acciones y limitaciones, es un paso importante en la acción intersectorial en salud para alcanzar equidad. Objetivo: Describir las características principales de los documentos relacionados con planes, políticas y estrategias en salud bucal en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Métodos: Estudio exploratorio mediante el análisis documental de fuentes secundarias de información disponibles en las páginas web de los ministerios de salud de 23 países, y rastreo sistemático en el buscador Google, sin restricción espacio-temporal. Se realizó análisis de contenido cuantitativo y cualitativo. Resultados: Se analizaron 85 documentos. Los países con mayor número de documentos relacionados con el tema propuesto fueron Colombia (n = 14), México (n = 8) y Panamá (n = 7). Una buena parte centran su atención en poblaciones específicas; por ejemplo: gestantes, comunidades vulnerables, escolares, maestros, entre otras. Tienen como propósito la disminución de factores de riesgo para las principales enfermedades bucales, desde enfoques relacionados con los determinantes sociales. El enfoque de género es más tímido y centra su atención en necesidades especiales de las mujeres en embarazo, parto y posparto. Los objetivos de la mayoría de los documentos analizados consistían en una atención integral sobre el estado de salud bucodental, mediante acciones de educación, promoción y actividades clínicas a la población, según sus necesidades. Conclusiones: Se encontró una representación importante de países que tienen documentos relacionados con programas y planes nacionales o locales y con indicadores que reflejan su cumplimiento. También existen guías prácticas de actuación. Aunque en el diseño y construcción de los documentos intervienen profesionales, sobre todo de la estomatología, falta la participación de otras áreas del conocimiento que ayudarían a lograr una visión más amplia hacia la determinación social de la salud(AU)

Introduction: The identification of public policies and strategies in oral health, as well as its purposes, actions and limitations is an important step in intersectoral action in health to achieve equity. Objective: To describe the main characteristics of the documents related to oral health plans, policies and strategies in Latin America en the Caribbean. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted by means of documentary analysis of secondary sources of information available on the websites of the ministries of health of 23 countries, and systematic search in the Google, without spatio-temporal restriction. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis was performed. Results: 85 documents were analyzed. The countries with the highest number of documents related to the research topic were Colombia (n = 14), Mexico (n = 8) and Panama (n = 7). A good part is focused on specific populations, such as pregnant women, socially vulnerable communities, school children, teachers, among others. Their purpose is to reduce risk factors for the main oral diseases, making important advances in approaches related to social determinants. However, the gender approach is more timid by focusing attention on the oral health special needs of women in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The main objectives of most of the documents analyzed consisted of an integral attention on the state of oral health, applying education, promotion and clinical activities to the population, according to their needs. Conclusions: An important representation of countries with documents related to national or local programs and plans were found and they have indicators that reflect their compliance. Also practical action guides were described. Although many professionals, especially in dentistry, intervene in the design and construction of documents, the participation of other areas of knowledge is lacking, what will help to achieve a broader vision towards the social determination of health(AU)

El deber de actuar por la salud bucal y la felicidad / The commitment to act for oral health and happiness

La salud bucal y la felicidad requieren acción social. El buen estado de salud es uno de los principales determinantes de la felicidad, pues produce alegría y se expresa habitualmente a través de la sonrisa o risa que pudieran resultar inhibidas por afecciones bucales. La campaña "Unidos por la salud bucal", impulsada por la Federación Dental Internacional a nivel mundial, hace un llamado a decisores, profesionales y a la población para que asuman compromisos orientados a reducir la carga global de las enfermedades bucales. El establecimiento de compromisos y las acciones consecuentes pueden contribuir a mejoras en la salud bucal, aunque para ello es necesario establecer acciones sistemáticas. En el contexto cubano, es una fortaleza que la estrategia de la estomatología sea nacional y tenga un enfoque de salud pública, si bien se hace necesario reforzar el seguimiento y evaluación del impacto de las acciones, estimular la creatividad, la comunicación dialogada y revisar cuáles compromisos deben ser consolidados para contribuir a la salud bucal y, por consiguiente, a la felicidad(AU)

Oral health and happiness require social action. The good health is one of the main determinants of happiness, since it produces joy and is usually expressed through a smile or laughter that could be inhibited by oral conditions. The International Dental Federation's "United for Oral Health" Campaign in 2020 aims to make commitments for decision-makers, professionals and the population to reduce the global burden of oral diseases. Establishing commitments and consequent actions can contribute to improvements in oral health, making it necessary to establish systematic actions. In the Cuban context, it is a strength that the stomatology strategy is national and has a public health focus, although it is necessary to reinforce the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the actions, stimulate creativity, dialogue communication, and review which commitments they must be consolidated to contribute to oral health and therefore to happiness."(AU)

Programa de Salud Bucodental en escolares de la Comunidad del Bajo Boulogne / Oral Health Program in children from Bajo Boulogne Community

Las afecciones bucodentales constituyen un problema de salud pública por su alta prevalencia y su fuerte impacto individual y colectivo en términos de dolor, malestar y discapacidad social y funcional. El Centro de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria San Pantaleón, ubicado en la provincia de Buenos Aires, brinda asistencia sanitaria gratuita a la comunidad. Un relevamiento documentó que el 97% de los concurrentes presentaba caries y no se lavaban los dientes por falta de cepillo y pasta dental. Se decidió llevar adelante un programa de promoción de la salud bucodental. El objetivo fue evaluar su implementación; que incluyó: a) rastreo de caries y problemas odontológicos; b) coordinación interinstitucional; c) entrega de cepillos y pasta dental; d) intervención educativa; e) extensión comunitaria. Participaron en forma irregular 120 niñas, niños y adolescentes entre 5 y 18 años del Centro de Apoyo Escolar Fundación Bajo Boulogne. Se realizaron dos encuentros educativos y entrega de cepillos y pasta dental. En la revisión odontológica inicial sobre 60 participantes se detectaron caries en 43 (71,6%), que fueron derivados para tratamiento odontológico, pero concurrieron solo 26 (60,4%). El conocimiento sobre salud bucodental mostró cambios entre los más pequeños luego de las intervenciones educativas. Se logró implementar el programa, cumplimentando las actividades propuestas. Pero surgieron barreras que dificultaron la cobertura. En cuanto a la eficacia de la intervención educativa, no se logró mostrar cambios en el conocimiento. Se consiguió la detección oportuna, la incorporación de hábitos como el cepillado dentro de la institución educativa, la articulación para mejorar el acceso a la atención y la vinculación entre los diferentes actores comunitarios. (AU)

Oral disorders are a public health problem due to their high prevalence and their strong individual and collective impact in terms of pain, discomfort, and social and functional disability. The San Pantaleón Family and Community Medicine Center, located in the province of Buenos Aires, provides free healthcare to the community. A survey documented that 97% of those present had cavities and did not brush their teeth due to a lack of brush and toothpaste. It was decided to carry out an oral health promotion program. The objective was to evaluate its implementation; which included: a) tracking of caries and dental problems; b) inter-institutional coordination; c) delivery of brushes and toothpaste; d) educational intervention; e) community extension. 120 girls and boys and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age from the Bajo Boulogne Foundation School Support Center irregularly participated. Two educational meetings were held, handing out brushes and toothpaste. In the initial dental review of 60 participants, caries was detected in 43 (71.6%), who were referred for dental treatment, with only 26 (60.4%) concurring. Oral health knowledge showed changes among the youngest after educational interventions. It was possible to implement the program, completing the proposed activities. Barriers arose that made coverage difficult. Regarding the effectiveness of the educational intervention, it was not possible to show changes in knowledge. Timely detection was achieved, the incorporation of habits such as brushing within the educational institution, articulation to improve access to care and the link between the different community actors. (AU)

Propuesta de metodología para ejecutar el análisis de situación de salud bucal en la carrera de estomatología / Proposal of a methodology for oral health status analysis in dental studies

RESUMEN Introducción: El análisis de la situación de salud es un tema indispensable en la formación de profesionales que tienen a cargo la salud de una comunidad y que requieren de una útil herramienta para la identificación de problemas de salud en el primer nivel de atención. Objetivo: Describir una metodología para facilitar la ejecución de la fase analítica de la situación de salud bucal en una comunidad. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica, a través del buscador Google Académico y en las bases de datos bibliográficas PubMed, Lilacs, Cumed y SciELO Cuba. Se revisaron trabajos presentados en el Congreso Internacional de Estomatología 2015. Los descriptores empleados para la búsqueda fueron: estado de salud, salud bucal, salud poblacional, atención primaria de salud, educación en odontología, y sus homólogos en inglés. Luego de ser filtrados, de los resultados obtenidos, se seleccionaron, por su vinculación al tema y actualización, 49 publicaciones científicas. Discusión: El análisis de situación de salud sirve como instrumento científico metodológico para identificar, priorizar y solucionar problemas comunitarios. La fase analítica es la más compleja del estudio, y en la que surgen dificultades para procesarla ordenadamente, debe comenzar por la clasificación epidemiológica de la población estudiada y seguir un orden lógico en su realización. Conclusiones: S e presenta una metodología que facilita la identificación y priorización de los riesgos substanciales, durante la fase analítica de un análisis de salud bucal(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Health status analysis is an indispensable topic in the training of professionals who will be in charge of health in a community and as such require a useful tool to identify health problems in primary care. Objective: Describe a methodology to facilitate oral health status analysis in a community. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted in the search engine Google Scholar and the databases PubMed, Lilacs, Cumed and SciELO Cuba. The review also covered the papers presented at the International Dental Congress 2015. The search terms used were 'health status', 'oral health', 'population health', 'primary health care', 'dental education' and their counterparts in Spanish. After filtering the results obtained, 49 scientific publications were selected due to their relationship to the subject and their topicality. Discussion: Health status analysis serves as a scientific methodological tool to identify, prioritize and solve community problems. The analytical stage is the most complex in the study and the one in which difficulties arise related to its orderly processing. The starting point should be the epidemiological classification of the study population, and a logical order should be followed in its conduct. Conclusions: A methodology is presented which facilitates identification and prioritization of substantial risks during the analytical stage of an oral health status analysis(AU)

Fatores associados à cárie dentária em adolescentes: um estudo transversal, estado de São Paulo, 2015 / Factores asociados con la caries dental en adolescentes: un estudio transversal, estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2015 / Factors associated with dental caries in adolescents: a cross-sectional study, São Paulo State, Brazil, 2015

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre prevalência e severidade da cárie e fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos, comportamental e de condições de saúde bucal em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados secundários de 5.558 adolescentes (15 a 19 anos) examinados na Pesquisa Estadual de Saúde Bucal de São Paulo em 2015. As associações foram testadas pelo modelo de regressão binomial negativa inflado de zeros, considerando-se os pesos amostrais. estimaram-se as razões de prevalência (RP), razões de média (RM) e intervalos de confiança (IC). Resultados: A prevalência de cárie foi de 71,7%, maior no gênero feminino (RP=1,09 - IC95% 1,04;1,15), associada a atraso escolar (RP=1,11 - IC95% 1,03;1,18), cálculo dentário (RP=1,10 - IC95% 1,01;1,20) e não acesso à água fluoretada (RP=1,21 - IC95% 1,01;1,45). Conclusão: A identificação dos fatores associados à cárie pode instruir a programação dos serviços de saúde dirigidos ao controle da doença.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre prevalencia y magnitud de la caries y factores demográficos, socioeconómicos, conductuales y de salud bucal en adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio transversal con datos secundarios de 5.558 adolescentes (15 a 19 años) examinados en la Encuesta de Salud Oral del Estado de São Paulo en 2015. Las asociaciones se probaron mediante el modelo de regresión binomial negativa inflado de ceros, considerando los pesos de la muestra. Se estimaron las razones de prevalencia (RP), razones medias (RM) e intervalos de confianza (IC). Resultados: La prevalencia de caries fue del 71,7% y mayor en las mujeres (PR=1,09 y IC95% 1,04;1,15), asociada a atraso escolar (PR=1.11 - IC95% 1,03;1,18), cálculo dental (PR=1,10 - IC95% 1,01;1,20) y sin acceso a agua fluorada (PR=1,21 - IC95% 1,01;1,45). Conclusión: La identificación de los factores asociados con la caries puede instruir la programación de servicios de salud destinados a controlar enfermedad.

Abstract Objective: To analyze association between prevalence and severity of dental caries and demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and oral health status in adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with secondary data on 5,558 adolescents examined in the São Paulo State Oral Health Survey in 2015. The zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was used, considering sample weights. Prevalence ratios (PR), ratios of mean (RM) and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: Caries prevalence was 71.7%, and was higher in females (PR=1.09 - 95%CI 1.04;1.15), associated with being behind at school (PR=1.11 - 95%CI 1.03;1.18), dental calculus (PR=1.10 - 95%CI 1.01;1.20) and no access to fluoridated water (PR=1.21 - 95%CI 1.01;1.45). Conclusion: Identification of factors associated with dental caries can instruct the programming of health services aimed at controlling the disease.

Crise econômica, austeridade e seus efeitos sobre o financiamento e acesso a serviços públicos e privados de saúde bucal / Economic crisis, austerity and its effects on the financing of oral health and access to public and private services

Resumo O presente estudo analisou os efeitos da austeridade e crise econômica sobre o financiamento da saúde bucal, oferta e utilização de serviços públicos e acesso a planos exclusivamente odontológicos no Brasil, no período de 2003 a 2018. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Foram coletados dados da base do Fundo Nacional de Saúde, da Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar, da Sala de Apoio à Gestão Estratégica, do Sistema e-gestor. Observou-se que o repasse federal fundo a fundo apresentou tendência crescente de 2003 a 2010 e estável de 2011 a 2018. A oferta decresceu ao final do período com redução da cobertura da primeira consulta odontológica programática, média da escovação dental supervisionada e número de tratamentos endodônticos. Na contramão da crise financeira pública, as empresas de planos exclusivamente odontológicos expandiram o mercado de 2,6 milhões de usuários em 2000 para 24,3 milhões em 2018, com lucro de mais de R$240 milhões. A austeridade fiscal tem forte influência sobre a utilização de serviços públicos odontológicos no Brasil, que pode beneficiar o mercado privado e ampliar as desigualdades.

Abstract The present study analyzed the effects of austerity and economic crisis on the financing of oral health, provision and use of public services and access to exclusively dental plans in Brazil, from 2003 to 2018. A retrospective, descriptive study was carried out, with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from the National Health Funding database, the National Supplementary Health Agency, the Strategic Management Support Room, and from the e-manager system. The federal fund-to-fund transfer was increasing from 2003 to 2010 and remained stable from 2011 to 2018. The supply decreased at the end of the period, with reduced coverage of the first programmatic dental appointment, average supervised tooth brushing and number of endodontic treatments. Against the background of the public financial crisis, exclusively dental plan companies expanded the market from 2.6 million users in 2000 to 24.3 million in 2018, with a profit of more than R$ 240 million. Fiscal austerity has a strong influence on the use of public dental services in Brazil, which can benefit the private market and widen inequalities.

Prevalencia de apiñamiento dental en la población costarricense que consulta los servicios de odontología de la CCSS, 2017 / Prevalence of dental crowding in the costarican population consulting the dental services of the CCSS, 2017

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la prevalencia del apiñamiento dental determinando el comportamiento y la prevalencia de esta anomalía en el ciclo de vida de las personas y el grupo dentario más afectado en la población que consulta los servicios de odontología de la CCSS. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo del 1 de enero al 30 de abril del 2017 en las áreas de salud del país donde se valoró la cantidad de pacientes sugeridos; para el examen clínico se usó como soporte la ficha de encuesta para la evaluación del estado de salud bucodental, elaborada con variables con base en las necesidades de esta investigación. Se recolecta una muestra de 104.691 datos de personas, en el que el muestreo estratificado por grupos de edad prefijados, es el siguiente: 9.652 niños de 0 a 5 años; 4.270 niños de 6 años; 10.477 niños de 7 a 9 años; 9.495 adolescentes de 10 a 12 años; 13.096 jóvenes de 13 a 19 años; 14.532 mujeres de 20 a 35 años; 7.586 mujeres de 36 a 45 años; 13.435 adultos de 20 a 45 años; 13.504 adultos de 46 a 59 años y 8.644 adultos mayores de 60 y más años, y esta información es procedente de las áreas de salud de las diferentes regiones del país. La prevalencia nacional del apiñamiento dental se estimó en 10% (0,0981 - 0,1018) IC95%, y la prevalencia de apiñamiento dental es menor del 1% en el grupo de 0-5 años, y empieza un aumento acelerado hasta 17% a la edad de 13-19 años, para luego disminuir hasta el 3% en el adulto mayor; que disminuye a partir del grupo de los 13 a 19, debido a que en estas edades comienza a incrementarse la pérdida de piezas dentales producto de la caries dental en que la prevalencia de pieza perdida dental de 5% en el grupo de 13 a 19 se incrementa hasta llegar al 75% en el adulto mayor y la pérdida de dientes por enfermedad periodontal de 0,08 en los adolescentes de 13 a 19 años para luego incrementarse paulatinamente hasta llegar al 18% en el adulto y luego aumentar abruptamente al 39% en el adulto mayor. El apiñamiento promueve dificultades para comer, hablar e incluso problemas bucodentales como consecuencia de la acumulación de placa, caries, enfermedad periodontal, disfunción de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM), además de repercutir en la estética del paciente, disminuyendo su autoestima, por lo que, realizar este tipo de investigaciones nos ayuda a conocer el impacto que tienen este tipo de patologías en la población y que por ser un problema de salud pública, es de especial interés para los tomadores de decisiones en salud, conocer a fondo dicha problemática.

Abstract The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of dental crowding, determining its behavior and presence of this anomaly through life, also the most affected population group that uses the dentistry services of CCSS. A descriptive study was made from January 1st through April 30, 2017, in different Costa Rican health services, the number of necessary patients was calculated; for the clinical exam a dental survey record chart was used to evaluate oral health conditions, this chart was specifically designed for the needs of this investigation A sample of 104.691 patients was documented, in which stratified sampling of previously selected age groups was designated as follows: 9.652 children from 0 to 5 years old; 4.270 children under 6 years, 10.477 children from 7 to 9 years old; 9.495 teenagers from 10 to 12 years old; 13.096 teenagers from 13 to 19 years of age; 14.532 women from 20 to 35 years old; 7.586 women from 36 to 45 years old; 13.435 adults from 20 to 45 years of age; 13.504 adults from 46 to 59 years old and 8.644 adults at age 60 or older, and this information proceeded from different regions of the country. The Crowding National Prevalence was estimated at 10% (0.0981 - 0.1018) IC95%, in the group from 0 to 5 years old crowding was lower than 1%, and started increasing quickly up to 17% at 13-19 years of age, after that it lowered down to 3% in the elderly group; crowding decreased in group 13 to 19 years old, possibly because at these ages tooth loss starts increasing due to dental cavities. Tooth loss at ages 13 to 19 had a prevalence of 5% and increased up to 75% in the elderly group. Tooth loss caused by periodontal disease in the age group 13 to 19 had a prevalence of 0.08 and gradually increased to 18% in adults and 39% in the elderly group. Crowding promotes difficulties for eating, speaking, increases oral problems as a consequence of biofilmbaccumulation, dental cavities, periodontal disease, TMD, as well as affecting the patient's esthetics lowering self-esteem, for these reasons this type of investigations helps to understand the impact of this pathology over the population, and since it is viewed as a public health issue, it is of special interest in the health program's decisión making process to comprehend such problematic.

A clínica do dentista na Estratégia Saúde da Família: entre a inovação e o conservadorismo / The dentist's clinical practice in the Family Health Strategy: between innovation and conservatism

Resumo Objetivou-se compreender com maior grau de aproximação aspectos da relação entre a odontologia e a sociedade por meio da observação direta do cotidiano e do discurso de dentistas membros de equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família, que discorreram sobre sua terapêutica na área da saúde bucal num novo cenário normativo. Estudo desenvolvido utilizando o Método Clínico-Qualitativo durante o ano de 2016, que partiu do tema "terapêutica da cárie dentária" como assunto disparador para o desenvolvimento das entrevistas, realizadas por meio de roteiro semidirigido de questões abertas em profundidade, nas próprias unidades de saúde. O material obtido foi analisado por meio de Análise Qualitativa de Conteúdo. Os resultados evidenciaram configurações de poder provenientes de um modelo odontológico conservador, desfavoráveis ao propósito da Promoção da Saúde, mas apontaram também potencialidades trazidas pelo modelo de Saúde da Família, reveladas por meio da criatividade e reflexividade sobre ações educativas e desafios que puderam estimular o profissional. Considerou-se, entretanto, que o trabalho do dentista nesse contexto conservou, predominantemente, um modus operandi hegemônico, caracterizado por relações desequilibradas de poder.

Abstract The aim was to better understand aspects of the relationship between dentistry and society through the direct observation of the daily service and the discourse of dentists members of the Family Health Strategy (Primary Care) teams, who discussed their oral health therapy in a new regulatory scenario. A study developed using the Clinical-Qualitative Method during the year 2016, starting from the theme "dental caries therapy" as a triggering subject for the development of the interviews, carried out by a semi-structured questionnaire of in-depth open questions in the units of health. The material obtained was analyzed through Qualitative Content Analysis. The results showed power settings descended from a conservative dental point of view, unfavorable to the purposes of Health Promotion paradigm, but also pointed to potential brought by the Family Health model, revealed through creativity and reflexivity about educational actions and challenges that could stimulate the professional. It was considered, however, that the work of the dentist in this context retained predominantly a hegemonic modus operandi, characterized by unbalanced relations of power.

Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of functional dentition among older people in Brazil / Tendências em desigualdades na prevalência da dentição funcional em idosos brasileiros / Tendencias en inequidades socioeconómicas, relacionadas con la prevalencia de dentición funcional, entre adultos mayores en Brasil

The objective of this research was to evaluate trends in socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of functional dentition among community-dwelling older adults in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with data from the last two SBBrasil Project surveys conducted in 2003 and 2010. Functional dentition was defined as the presence of 20 or more natural teeth and was assessed during the clinical examination of dentition status. Schooling was used as the socioeconomic position measure. Socioeconomic inequality was measured using two complex measures; the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII). The prevalence of functional dentition was 10.8% (95%CI: 8.1-14.2) in 2003 and 13.6% (95%CI: 11.1-16.5) in 2010. The prevalence of functional dentition increased significantly over the educational rank in both years. Absolute inequalities were significant for both years and remained unaltered between 2003 and 2010. Significant relative inequality in the prevalence of functional dentition was found in both years of the survey. Socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of functional dentition among older adults in Brazil persisted significantly between both national oral health surveys.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as tendências nas desigualdades socioeconômicas na prevalência da dentição funcional entre idosos não institucionalizados no Brasil. O estudo usou dados das duas últimas pesquisas do Projeto SBBrasil, realizadas em 2003 e 2010. A dentição funcional foi definida como a presença de 20 ou mais dentes naturais, avaliada durante o exame clínico odontológico. A escolaridade foi usada como medida de nível socioeconômico. A desigualdade socioeconômica foi estimada com duas medidas complexas: o índice absoluto de desigualdade ou slope index of inequality (SII) e o relative index of inequality (RII). A prevalência da dentição funcional foi 10,8% (IC95%: 8,1-14,2) em 2003 e 13,6% (IC95%: 11,1-16,5) em 2010. A prevalência da dentição funcional aumentou significativamente com o aumento do nível de escolaridade em ambos os anos. As desigualdades absolutas foram significativas para ambos os anos e permaneceram inalteradas entre 2003 e 2010. Nos dois anos da pesquisa, foi observada uma desigualdade relativa significativa na prevalência da dentição funcional. As desigualdades socioeconômicas na prevalência da dentição funcional entre idosos brasileiros persistiram significativamente entre as duas pesquisas nacionais de saúde oral.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las tendencias en inequidades socioeconómicas, respecto a la prevalencia de una dentición funcional entre adultos mayores, residentes en comunidades de Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal con datos de los dos últimos programas de Proyecto SBBrasil, en los que se realizaron encuestas durante los años 2003 y 2010. La dentición funcional se definió como la presencia de 20 o más dientes naturales y se evaluó durante un examen clínico del estatus de la dentadura. Se valoró la escolaridad como medida de clasificación socioeconómica. La inequidad socioeconómica se midió usando dos medidas complejas; slope index of inequality (SII) y el relative index of inequality (RII). La prevalencia de la dentición funcional fue 10,8% (IC95%: 8,1-14,2) en 2003 y 13,6% (IC95%: 11,1-16,5) en 2010. La prevalencia de la dentición funcional se incrementó significativamente con el aumento del nivel de escolaridad en ambos años. Las inequidades absolutas fueron significativas para ambos años y permanecieron inalteradas entre 2003 y 2010. Se halló una inequidad relativa significativa en la prevalencia de la dentición funcional durante ambos años de la encuesta. Las inequidades socioeconómicas en la prevalencia de la dentición funcional entre adultos mayores en Brasil persistieron significativamente en ambas encuestas de salud bucal nacionales.

Implementación de la terapia miofuncional orofacial en una clínica de posgrado de Ortodoncia / Implementation of orofacial myofunctional therapy in a graduate education dental clinic

Introducción: la terapia miofuncional orofacial es el conjunto de técnicas que intervienen en los desórdenes miofuncionales que afectan el comportamiento de la dinámica del sistema estomatognático, su equilibrio y su funcionamiento integrando sus acciones durante un tratamiento de ortopedia maxilar y ortodoncia. Objetivo: desarrollar la implementación del servicio de terapia miofuncional en una Clínica de Ortodoncia y Ortopedia Maxilar como una estrategia de intervención ante la presencia de desórdenes miofuncionales. Métodos: se consideraron dos momentos metodológicos. En el primer momento, se estableció el diagnóstico situacional asistencial con una investigación descriptiva transversal a una muestra de 68 informes fonoaudiológicos de pacientes. Igualmente, para el establecimiento del diagnóstico académico y profesional se realizó una encuesta a 35 personas, 83 por ciento estudiantes de posgrado y 17 por ciento docentes. En el segundo momento, se realizó una revisión documental como soporte teórico de las guías de manejo. Resultados: las fases de diagnóstico situacional confirman la pertinencia de implementar un servicio de terapia miofuncional dado que el 100 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron un diagnóstico de desorden miofuncional, deglución atípica completa en el 60 por ciento y la deglución atípica anterior en el 29 por ciento. En lo referente al diagnóstico profesional, el 91 por ciento de los encuestados presentó una experiencia positiva con la terapia miofuncional tanto en la fase evaluativa como terapéutica. Se consolidaron las guías de manejo que rigen el servicio tanto en acciones evaluativas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas. Conclusiones: se justifica la pertinencia de la implementación de la terapia miofuncional no solo desde los efectos bucofaciales, sino desde la prevención de estos. El desarrollo de programas de intervención clínico educativo en el marco legal de promoción y prevención deben ser contundentes en las clínicas de Ortodoncia y Ortopedia Maxilar, donde se ejecuten actividades de protección específica, detección temprana y atención oportuna en la salud bucal(AU)

Introduction: orofacial myofunctional therapy is the set of techniques used to treat myofunctional disorders affecting the dynamics of the stomatognathic system, its balance and operation, integrating their actions during maxillary orthopedics and orthodontics treatment. Objective: implement the myofunctional therapy service in a maxillary orthopedic / orthodontic clinic as an intervention strategy for myofunctional disorders. Methods: Methodologically, the study was structured into two stages. In the first stage situational care diagnostics was established via a cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of 68 phonoaudiological reports about patients. Academic and professional diagnostics was based on a survey applied to 35 people, 83 percent of whom were post-graduate students and 17 percent were teachers. The second stage consisted in a document review to provide theoretical foundation to the management guides. Results: the situational diagnostics stages confirm the relevance of implementing a myofunctional therapy service, since 100 percent of the patients were diagnosed with myofunctional disorder, with total atypical deglutition in 60 percent and anterior atypical deglutition in 29 percent. Professional diagnostics showed that 91 percent of respondents had had a positive experience with myofunctional therapy in either its evaluative or therapeutic stage. Consolidation was conducted of the management guides governing the service in terms of evaluative, diagnostic and therapeutic actions. Conclusions: pertinence of the implementation of myofunctional therapy is justified, not only by orofacial effects, but also by their prevention. Development of clinical educational intervention programs within the legal framework for promotion and prevention should be forcefully conducted in maxillary orthopedic / orthodontic clinics, where actions will be performed aimed at specific protection, early detection and timely care in dental practice(AU)

Hábito de fumar y salud bucal en adolescentes. Politécnico Israel Moliné Rendón, Limonar, 2015 / Smoking habit and oral health in teenagers. Polytechnic School Israel Moliner Rendón, 2015

Introducción: El hábito de fumar se asocia a múltiples enfermedades entre ellas las bucales. Se estima un comienzo cada vez más precoz entre los adolescentes de 12 y 14 años. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento del hábito de fumar y su repercusión sobre la salud bucal de los adolescentes del Politécnico Israel Moliné, Limonar, año 2015. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. El universo estuvo conformado por 129 adolescentes del politécnico Israel Moliné, Limonar. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, práctica del hábito de fumar, tiempo fumando, motivaciones para fumar, afecciones bucales presentes en los fumadores, nivel de conocimientos sobre repercusión del hábito en la salud bucal. Para obtener la información se confeccionó un documento que recogía datos generales y relacionados con el hábito, se realizó el examen bucal y se aplicó un cuestionario sobre la repercusión del mismo en la salud bucal. Resultados: El 41,1 % de los adolescentes practicaba el hábito de fumar que se observó en 45,8 % del total de féminas. Casi la mitad llevaba menos de un año realizándolo, motivados por amigos (66 %) que fuman. La halitosis (77,3 %) y manchas nicotínicas (64,1 %) fueron las afecciones bucales más observadas. El 75,2 % tuvo bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre hábito de fumar y salud bucal. Conclusiones: El hábito prevaleció en el sexo femenino. El entorno de adolescentes repercutió de manera importante. Con poco tiempo de práctica del hábito se observaron afecciones bucales asociadas al mismo. Los adolescentes desconocían la repercusión que tiene este hábito sobre la salud bucal (AU).

Introduction: the smoking habit is associated to several diseases, and among them to the oral ones. Currently it is estimated that this harmful habit has a more and more precocious beginning among Cuban teenagers. Objetive: to characterize smoking behavior and its repercussion on the oral health of teenagers from the Polytechnic School "Israel Moliner Rendón", municipality of Limonar in 2015. Materials and Methods: a descriptive, observational study was carried out in a universe formed by 120 teenagers from the Polytechnic School "Israel Moliner Rendón". The studied variables were sex, smoking habit existence, time spend smoking, smoking motivations, oral diseases presented by smokers, level of knowledge on the repercussion of smoking on oral health. For gathering the information a document was prepared collecting general data and data related with the smoking habit, the oral examination was performed and a questionnaire about the repercussion of smoking on oral health was filled out. Results: 41,1 % of the teenagers practiced the smoking habit, and 45,8 % were female. Almost half of them smoked for less than a year. Halitosis (77,3 %) and nicotine strains (64,1 %) were the predominant oral affections. 75,2 % of the sample showed low level of knowledge about the repercussion of the smoking habit on oral health. Conclusions: the habit prevailed among females. The adolescent surrounding had an important influence. With few time of practicing smoking, there were found oral associated affections. Teenagers did not know the repercussion this habit has on oral health (AU).

Estado de salud oral y calidad de vida en pacientes dependientes moderados y severos, CESFAM Boca Sur, Chile / Oral health status and quality of life in moderate and severe dependent patients, CESFAM Boca Sur, Chile

Introducción: los adultos mayores dependientes presentan una mayor prevalencia y severidad de patologías bucales que el resto de la población, estas pueden influir negativamente en su calidad de vida. Objetivo: caracterizar el estado de salud oral y la calidad de vida relacionada en pacientes adultos mayores dependientes moderados y severos inscritos en el CESFAM Boca Sur, Chile. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, la población en estudio fueron adultos mayores dependientes moderados y severos usuarios del CESFAM Boca Sur, Chile. Previo consentimiento informado de los pacientes y sus cuidadores, se les aplicó un cuestionario con variable sociodemográficas a pacientes y cuidadores. Se registraron enfermedad principal, índice COPD, estado periodontal, índice de higiene oral, portador o necesidad de prótesis removible y calidad de vida asociada a salud oral a través del cuestionario OHIP-14Sp validado en población adulta mayor chilena. La tabulación se realizó en Microsoft Excel y el análisis estadístico se hizo en STATA/MP 13.0. Resultados: se incluyeron 47 pacientes, 91,5% de los pacientes requerían algún tipo de tratamiento odontológico. 24 pacientes presentaron estado cognitivo normal. El OHIP-14Sp fue de 11,3±11,7 en pacientes con dependencia moderada, 12,1±9,9 en severa y 11,8±10,4 para la muestra total, las correlaciones del OHIP-14Sp con dientes cariados, perdidos e higiene oral fueron todas menores a 0,2. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los pacientes dependientes moderados y severos inscritos en el CASFAM Boca Sur presentan un mal estado de salud oral y mala calidad de vida relacionada a esta (AU).

Introduction: dependent older adults have a higher prevalence and severity of oral diseases that other populations, they can adversely affect their quality of life Objective: to characterize the state of oral health and related quality of life in moderate and severe dependents elderly patients enrolled in the CESFAM Boca Sur, Chile. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted, the study population were moderate and severe dependents elderly patients enrolled in the CESFAM Boca Sur, Chile. After the informed consent of patients and their caregivers was obtained, were applied a sociodemographic questionnaire. Chief disease, COPD index, periodontal status, oral hygiene index, carrier or need removable prosthesis and quality of life associated with oral health through OHIP-14Sp questionnaire validated in Chilean adult population were registered. Tabulation was done in Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis was done in STATA / MP 13.0. Results: forty-seven patients were included, 91.5% of patients required some type of dental treatment. Twenty-four patients had normal cognitive status. The OHIP-14Sp was 11.3 ± 11.7 in patients with moderate dependence, 12.1 ± 9.9 in severe dependence and 11.8 ± 10.4 for the total sample, the correlations of OHIP-14Sp with decayed teeth , lost and oral hygiene were all less than 0.2. Conclusions: most of the moderate and severe dependent patients enrolled in the CASFAM Boca Sur have a poor oral health and poor quality of life related to it (AU).

Enfermedad periodontal en adolescentes / Periodontal disease in teenagers

Introducción: durante mucho tiempo se creyó que la enfermedad periodontal era una afección de la adultez, sin embargo la falta de motivación en la práctica de la higiene oral en la etapa de la adolescencia condiciona su aparición. Objetivo: identificar el estado periodontal en adolescentes de la escuela Secundaria Básica Urbana ¨Raúl Pujols¨, en la ciudad de Santiago de Cuba, en el periodo de septiembre 2014 hasta marzo 2015. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por los 75 adolescentes, entre 11 a 14 años de edad de ambos sexos. Se utilizó el índice periodontal de Russell revisado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y el índice de Love. Se confeccionó una planilla de recolección de datos para los resultados del examen físico y como medidas de resumen se usó el porcentaje. Resultados: prevaleció la gingivitis leve en el 66,7 % de los adolescentes, relacionado a la existencia de una higiene bucal deficiente. Predominó el sexo femenino y los factores de riesgo más encontrados fueron el apiñamiento dentario y los hábitos deletéreos. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los adolescentes del estudio presentaron gingivitis leve con una higiene bucal deficiente (AU).

Introduction: during many time it was believed that periodontal disease was adulthood affection, but lack of motivation in the practice of oral hygiene in the adolescence induces its beginning. Aim: to identify the periodontal status in teenagers from the Urban Secondary School “Raul Pujols”, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, in the period September 2014-March 2015. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was carried out. The universe was formed by 75 both-sexes teenagers, aged 11-14 years. Russell’s periodontal index, up-dated by the Word Health Organization, and Love’s index were used. A form of data collection for the results of the physical examination was elaborated, and percentage was used as a summarizing measure. Results: mild gingivitis prevailed in 66.7 % of the teenagers, related with the deficient oral health. Female sex prevailed and the most commonly found risk factors were dental crowding and deleterious habits. Conclusions: most of the teenagers participating in the study had mild gingivitis and deficient oral health (AU).

Nivel de conocimientos en pacientes con traumatismo dental / Level of knowledge in patients with dental trauma

Introducción: el traumatismo de los dientes es uno de los accidentes más dramáticos que le suceden a una persona y su frecuencia en la clínica odontológica es cada día mayor, por lo que se requieren conocimientos en la población para su manejo inmediato y adecuado. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de conocimientos de pacientes con traumatismos dentales. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en la población del Área de Salud Pueblo Nuevo, Policlínico Docente “Carlos Verdugo” en el período comprendido del 2009 al 2014. La población estudiada fueron los pacientes que acudieron a consulta de urgencia, con traumatismos en dientes anteriores (215 pacientes), previo consentimiento informado. Resultados: mayor afectación del sexo masculino (65,1 %), así como mayor frecuencia de traumatismos en dientes permanentes que en dientes temporales. La escuela y el estomatólogo fueron las principales fuentes de información acerca del tema (7 % en ambos casos). El nivel de conocimientos que predominó fue el bajo (83,7 %), la población considera que se puede esperar días, como el criterio de actuación ante un trauma dentario. Conclusiones: predominó el sexo masculino, el traumatismo dental fue más frecuente en edades de 4 hasta 11 años y en dientes permanentes. Las fuentes de información reconocidas fueron el estomatólogo y la escuela. Se apreció un desconocimiento general, sobre todo en el manejo inmediato de esta afección (AU).

Introduction: dental trauma is one of the most dramatic accidents a person can suffer and its frequency in dental clinic is higher and higher; therefore it is required the population knowledge on its immediately and adequate handling. Aim: to determine the knowledge level of patients with dental trauma. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the population of Pueblo Nuevo Health Area, Teaching Policlinic "Carlos Verdugo", in the period from 2009 to 2014. Results: male sex was the most affected one (65.1 %), and the frequency of trauma in permanent teeth was higher than in deciduous ones. School and dentist were the main information sources on the theme (7 % in both cases). The predominant knowledge level was low (83.7 %). Population considers that waiting several days could be the behavioural criteria in the case of dental trauma. Conclusions: male sex was the predominant one; dental trauma was more frequent in 4-11 years age. The recognized information sources were the dentist and school. A general lack of knowledge was appreciated, above all in the immediate handling of the affection (AU).

Momento atual da odontologia para pessoas com deficiência na América Latina: situação do Chile e Brasil / Current status of the dental care provided to disabled people in Latin America: Chilean and Brazilian scenarios

A saúde é um fator essencial para a qualidade de vida do ser humano. Baseado nesse fato a Convenção Internacional sobre os direitos das pessoas com deficiência da ONU aponta que as Pessoas em Situação de Incapacidade têm o direito de desfrutar o mais alto padrão atingível de saúde sem discriminação; assim, o estado deve tomar as medidas adequadas para garantir seu acesso aos serviços de saúde. No Chile 20% da população adulta apresenta algum grau de deficiência, ou seja, aquela que em relação ao seu desenvolvimento físico, mental, intelectual, sensorial ou outras condições,mostram restrições à participação plena e ativa na sociedade. Quanto à distribuição por gênero, as mulheres apresentam maior prevalência de pessoas com algum grau de deficiência em relação aos homens. No Brasil, aproximadamente 24% da população brasileira (45.606.048 de pessoas) apresenta algum tipo de deficiência, pelo menos uma das deficiências investigadas, incluindo as deficiências auditiva, física, visual, intelectual, transtorno do espectro autista, ostomias e mobilidade reduzida.Desses indivíduos, 25.800.681 de pessoas (56,5%) são mulheres e 19.805.367 (43,5%) são homens.De acordo com o estudo da situação global da pessoa com deficiência, a saúde bucal geralmente é ruim e o acesso a cuidados odontológicos é limitado. No Chile e no Brasil, cárie e doença periodontal, estão dentro das patologias orais de maior prevalência, que aumentam com a idade eque surgem de forma desigual, afetando principalmente população de periferia e de baixa renda.Assim, tanto o Chile como o Brasil têm desenvolvido projetos que visam contribuir para que a pessoa com deficiência consiga ser atendida em suas necessidades específicas na área da saúde bucal.

Health care is an essential factor for the quality of life of human beings. Based upon this fact, information about the rights of disabled people presented by the WHO International Convention shows that people with disabilities must have the opportunity to access the highest level of health care withoutany prejudice. Furthermore, the State must guarantee such accessibility. In Chile 20% of the adult population presents some degree of disability; which means, a person who shows some limitation inregard to his/her physical, mental, intellectual, sensorial or other condition, and restricted participation in the society. In regard to the gender distribution, 14.8% of the man population and 24.9% of the woman population present some degree of deficiency. In Brazil, approximately 24.0% of the population(45.606.048 people) presents some deficiency (at least one of the searched deficiencies), including hearing,physical, visual, intellectual, autism disorder, ostomies and restricted mobility impairments. In this group, 25.800.681 people (26.5%) are women and 19.805.367 people (21.2%) are men.In general, according to the global assessment of the health condition of disabled people, theiroral health is poor and their access to dental care is limited. Then, Chile and Brazil have developed projects to specifically contribute to the oral health of disable people. In this direction, Brazil has formulated public policies to guarantee autonomy and wider support of the health system, and of the education and work systems as well, improving the quality of life of disabled people.

Realidad y desafíos de la salud bucal de las personas mayores en Chile y el rol de una nueva disciplina: Odontogeriatría / Reality and challenges of the oral health for older adults in Chile and the role of a new discipline: geriatric dentistry

Chile is experiencing one of the fastest aging processes in Latin America. The implications derived from this phenomenon involve many aspects of the society, especially health care. In particular, insufficient oral health coverage in the country limits oral care provision for a population with a high prevalence and severity of oral diseases. These conditions include dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, defective prostheses, oral mucosa lesions and xerostomia, among others, and strongly affect quality of life of the elderly population. Furthermore, dental curriculum of most dental schools lack specific training of students in geriatric dentistry or gerodontology. Hence, newly graduated professionals are not competent to satisfy the needs of this growing and increasingly demanding population of older adults. Within this demanding context, Chile may find the potential to become a model and referent to deal with the challenge, incorporating innovative changes in education and public health strategies for the older population by an interdisciplinary approach.

Abordagem de pacientes com ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico no ambiente clínico / Management of patients with dental anxiety at clinical environment

Objetivos: Discutir a ansiedade frente ao tratamento odontológico e apresentar as principais escalas disponíveis para a sua mensuração nas crianças e nos adultos. Materiais e métodos: para esta revisão de literatura os artigos foram selecionados na base de dados online PubMed, dentre os publicados entre 1979 até julho de 2015, e que estavam de acordo com os critérios STROBE e CONSORT. Resultados: Foram selecionados 30 artigos e a revisão destes mostrou que a escolha das escalas depende da idade do paciente, de sua capacidade cognitiva, bem como do tempo disponível para a aplicação dos instrumentos. A ansiedade odontológica e a condição em saúde bucal dos pais e dos filhos estão diretamente relacionadas. Conclusão: o Cirurgião-Dentista deve estar atento para diagnosticar e quantificar a ansiedade adequadamente, visando o estabelecimento de estratégias de abordagem comportamental e clínica individualizadas, tornando a consulta odontológica mais eficaz e menos estressante, tanto para o profissional quanto para os seus pacientes.

Objectives: to present the main dental anxiety scales available for children and adults, explainits association between parents and siblings. Methodology: the articles were selected in PubMed, from 1979 until July 2015, chosen studies were according to STROBE and CONSORT. Results: Thirty articles were selected, after their review it was found that the choice of scales depends on patients’ age, cognitive ability, and available time to implement the instruments. Parents’ dental anxiety and oral health conditions interfere directly with those in children. Conclusion: Is mandatory for professionals to diagnose and quantify oral health literacy levels and anxiety, in order to establish clinical and behavioral approach strategies, making a most effective and less stressful dental appointment, for both, the professional and patients.

Componente bucal y determinantes sociales en el análisis de la situación de salud / Oral component and social determinants in the analysis of the health situation

Introducción: el componente bucal del análisis de la situación de salud requiere perfeccionamiento, de manera que contribuya a la gestión eficiente en salud. Su influencia en la formación de los recursos humanos, demanda hoy un cambio de enfoque sustentado en la estomatología social y en la intersectorialidad y un mejoramiento en las herramientas que lo apoyan. Objetivo: exponer el tránsito histórico del concepto del componente bucal del análisis de la situación de salud y sus nexos con la determinación social de la salud. Método: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica y documental, utilizando fuentes provenientes de la red de Infomed en sus bases de datos SciELO, Pubmed, Cochrane y BIREME. Se revisaron artículos científicos con las palabras clave: determinación social de la salud, salud bucal, análisis de la situación de salud. Se emplearon los operadores boleanos and, or. Resultados: se encontraron 18 artículos pertinentes al tema, más del 70 por ciento corresponde a los últimos 5 años, se expuso el tránsito histórico del concepto del componente bucal del análisis de la situación de salud y sus nexos con la determinación social de la salud. Conclusiones: el análisis de la situación de salud bucal requiere un cambio de enfoque biologicista a uno salubrista. La inclusión de las determinantes sociales de la salud en el proceso es una garantía para su perfeccionamiento en pos de elevar la calidad. El modelo del marco conceptual de la OMS propicia el sustento teórico y constituye una herramienta vital de guía para el proceso, es factible de aplicar, dialéctico, eficaz y sostenible(AU)

Introduction: the oral component analysis of the health situation requires improvement, to contribute to efficient health management. Today its influence on the formation of human resources demands an approach change sustained by social dentistry and intersectoral character and an improvement in the supporting tools. Objective: present the historical transition of the oral component concept in the analysis of health situation and its links to the health social determinants. Method: a literature and document review was conducted, using data sources within Infomed network as SciELO, PubMed, and Cochrane and BIREME databases. Scientific articles were reviewed with keywords as health social determinants, oral health, and health situation analysis. Boolean operators and, or were used. Results: 18 articles were found relevant to the subject, more than 70 percent corresponds to the last five years; the historical transition from the concept of oral component of the health situation analysis and its links to the social determinants of health was discussed. Conclusions: the oral health situation analysis requires a change of focus, from a biologic approach to health-based focus. The inclusion of health social determinants in the process is a guarantee for its improvement towards raising quality. The model of the WHO conceptual framework facilitates the theoretical basis and it constitutes a vital tool to guide the process, it is feasible to implement, dialectical, effective and sustainable(AU)

Perfil epidemiológico do uso e necessidade de prótese dentária em usuários de uma Unidade de Saúde daFamília de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Epidemiological profile for the need and use of dental prosthesis among users of a Family Health Unit in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Objetivo: Estimar o uso e a necessidade de prótese dentária em usuários de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) de Porto Alegre, em 2013. Materiais e Métodos: Pesquisa de delineamento transversal cuja coleta de dados aconteceu por meio da análise dos prontuários dos usuários do serviço de odontologia da USF (n = 249). As informações coletadas foram analisadas pelo programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Foram calculadas as distribuições de frequência das variáveis investigadas (sexo, idade, usoe necessidade de prótese). O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federaldo Rio Grande do Sul. Resultados: 19,7% dos indivíduos de ambos os sexos e nas idades estudadas usavamprótese; enquanto 55% apresentavam necessidade de uso de prótese. O uso de prótese foi mais frequente naarcada superior e entre mulheres. A prótese mais utilizada pelas mulheres foi a total superior e parcial removívelinferior, enquanto que entre os homens foi a parcial removível em ambas as arcadas. A faixa etária em que maisse observou o uso ou a necessidade de prótese foi de 65 a 74 anos e de 35 a 44 anos, respectivamente. Em todosos grupos etários avaliados, a necessidade de prótese inferior foi maior do que a superior. Conclusão: Estapesquisa teve como premissa produzir informações para fundamentar estratégias de ações direcionadas paraa melhoria da saúde da população estudada por meio da avaliação do uso e necessidade de prótese dentária.O alto percentual de necessidade de prótese encontrado exige a consolidação de uma política pública efetiva de atenção à saúde bucal voltada à reabilitação dentária e que atenda às necessidades da população estudada.