Banca de DEFESA: MEIREANE FIRMINO PEREIRA

Characterization of dental prenatal in a municipality of Northeastern Brazil

pregnancy; dental prenatal care; primary health care

Introduction: Prenatal care aims to ensure the development of a healthy pregnancy through its clinical follow-up, psychosocial aspects, educational and preventive activities. Dental prenatal care is an integral part of it, through clinical care, oral health prevention and promotion activities, which guarantee the health of the pregnant woman and the baby in the intrauterine phase, in addition to the continuity of postnatal care. Objective: To characterize dental prenatal care in the city of Feira Grande, Alagoas, Brazil, in order to ensure comprehensive health care for pregnant women and babies. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative-qualitative approach, carried out in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) of Feira Grande, Alagoas, Brazil. Interviews were conducted with dentists and pregnant women assisted by the ESF. The sociodemographic variables of dentists and pregnant women, characterization of prenatal care, technical knowledge of dental surgeons about their work in dental prenatal care and pregnant women's perception of dental prenatal care were analyzed. In the quantitative analysis, the variables were described in relative and absolute frequency. In the qualitative analysis, simple descriptive textual analysis was performed. Results: From the perspective of dentists, the potentialities were: the performance of dental prenatal care in 100% of the ESF and the consensus on the association between periodontal disease and risks in pregnancy as well as the choice of the second trimester as the best period for pregnant women. Difficulties: lack of specific training, lack of clear knowledge about care practices, insecurity in performing dental practices, lack of clarity regarding clinical conduct in the dental field. From the perspective of pregnant women, the potentialities were: 15 out of the 16 pregnant women stated there was dental care for pregnant women in their respective ESF, all reported that they considered going to the dentist to be important, 11 out of the 16 reported having been scheduled for a dental appointment before requesting an appointment. Difficulties: lack of knowledge about the importance of prenatal care, centrality in the role of nursing in the indication/referral, absence of groups of pregnant women focused on dental care, necessity to organize care, hesitation/fear. Conclusion: Although the coverage of dental prenatal care in the city is satisfactory, it is important to improve the quality of the service. It is recommended that permanent education plans aimed at dental surgeons are implemented, as well as the entire ESF team in the city, to improve and strengthen dental prenatal care.