inglês Management strategies in dentistry: experience report

Abstract

Introduction: Management strategies in the context of public oral health relate to the approaches and procedures of officials to promote the well-being of the population within the public sector. These strategies are designed with the purpose of preventing oral diseases, facilitating access to dental services and improving the quality of life in the community. Some illustrations of management strategies in public oral health involve: encouraging oral health, preventing oral pathologies, primary oral health care, oral health initiatives targeting specific groups, collaboration with other spheres of health, as well as supervision and analysis. Objective: The objective of this work is to report and detail the joint collaboration between SESC, FECOMÉRCIO and the Municipality of Lagoa Formosa - MG, with the aim of reducing the wait for basic and specialized dental services, such as third-party endodontic and extraction treatments. molars. Activities Developed: From a partnership between SESC (Social Service of Commerce), FECOMÉRCIO (Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Minas Gerais) and some municipalities with a repressed demand for basic dental care, it is possible to bring significant benefits for local community. This collaboration may involve making SESC dental professionals available to conduct periodic consultations in the municipality, covering consultations, preventive and curative procedures, together with awareness-raising activities on oral hygiene. In addition, SESC also provides essential dental equipment and supplies to ensure the effective functioning of this service. The focus is on improving the quality of life of the local population and preventing oral health problems. It is important to mention that the viability and specificities were defined after negotiations between SESC and the municipality. This partnership, established between SESC, FECOMÉRCIO and the City Hall in a location with a lack of dental care, was born out of the desire to positively impact the oral health of the community. Since the beginning of municipal management, in mid-2021, a high demand for dental care has been observed in the region. Numerous users of the Unified Health System (SUS) faced challenges in obtaining consultations, preventive and curative interventions; and oral health problems were getting worse. Combining efforts, SESC and FECOMÉRCIO came together to seek effective solutions. Results: Through this collaboration, dental professionals from SESC were mobilized to serve the population of Lagoa Formosa. With the support of FECOMÉRCIO, resources, equipment and essential dental materials were allocated to ensure the adequate provision of the service. Throughout the presence of the mobile unit in the municipality, substantial changes were noted in people's lives: smiles were restored, discomforts were alleviated and, above all, there was a notable improvement in the quality of life of those who previously dealt with the lack of dental care. primaries. In addition to the consultations, investment was made in oral health education, promoting awareness of the importance of prevention and encouraging healthy practices. This involved lectures, distribution of educational materials and guidance to the population on the best practices to be adopted. Final considerations: The collaboration between SESC, FECOMÉRCIO and the municipal administration illustrates the relevance of joining efforts towards a common objective. The experience and active participation in this undertaking underscore the positive impact it confers on the beneficiary community. The journey is far from over, however, the alliance formed between SESC, FECOMÉRCIO and the Municipality represents a tangible example of how administration and collaboration between public and private sectors can effectively transform people's reality. The commitment to persist in expanding this partnership model, helping more communities to overcome their shortages in primary dental care, remains one of the fundamental pillars of this management.