ORAL HEALTH CARE IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES: EVOLUTION AND CHALLENGES – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this literature review is to investigate aspects on oral health care in indigenous communities, highlighting the progress and challenges. Material and Methods The literature search was conducted in the databases: PubMed, SciELO, BBO and LILACS. Results: The Subsystem for Indigenous Healthcare has evolved since its inception. The creation of a new department within the Ministry of Health, the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Healthcare, responsible solely for health care of indigenous people, aimed to meet the expectations of these communities, professionals and managers regarding comprehensive and differentiated health care. One of the first initiatives of the Department was establishing the Indigenous Smiling Brazil program, which has the purpose of providing access to dental care in the local settlements by improving the structure and quality of oral health services, and by ensuring comprehensive dental care for these people. The challenges of providing dental care in indigenous areas are diverse, due to difficult geographical, linguistic and cultural aspects. Conclusion: It is important for health professionals to acquire cultural competence, and to transcend the boundaries of an assistance model focused on the individual, emphasizing prevention under a collective view, respecting and valuing social and cultural aspects of indigenous peoples. DESCRIPTORS: Oral Health. Health Public Policy. Indigenous Health. Indians. South American.