RESUMO
Objective: To identify and understand how management models are being institutionalized in Centers of Dental Specialties, specifically with regard to the publicprivate relationship. Material and Methods: A descriptive and quantitative study using database of the 1st cycle PMAQ/CEO External Evaluation, specific to the question directed to managers or Dentists working at CEO: what is the labor link of CEO professionals? It was considered an alternative model when at least one dentist had nonstatutory labor relationship. Statistical analyses performed were exploratory and descriptive. Results: Data were collected from 930 CEOs distributed throughout Brazil, of which 170 (18.3%) are under alternative management model, especially in the southeastern (37.6%) and northeastern regions (34.7%), distributed in 147 municipalities, 144 (85%) under municipal management, 22 (13%) under state management. Of CEOs with state management, 68% are in Ceará State and 27% in Paraná State. In 78.6% of CEOs, the labor link of dentists is exclusively via direct public administration. Other 10.1% are in direct public administration with new legal arrangements. Only alternative management models were identified in 8.2% of CEOs. Conclusion: A significant number of CEOs are under alternative management model, and its distribution to all regions indicates a consolidation trend.