Dental Surgeon Insertion into the Family Health Program in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: To evaluate a dental surgeon insertion in the PSF in the city of João Pessoa regarding formation, reasoning and action. Material and Methods: Sampling comprised of 36 dental surgeons working in the PSF in João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil. A quanti-qualitative approach was adopted through a semi-structured interview made of subjective questions regarding the following themes: profile and professional trajectory, professional practice and relation between formation and action. Results: All interviewees have always worked in the public service; the professional is aware of the program’s principle and of its importance to the community; the professional practice is focused on prevention, achieving a multi-disciplinary work, having difficulties such as infra-structure deficiencies, lack of tools and bio-hazardous materials; professionals consider themselves as not being capacitated in their academic formation for the attention model proposed by SUS. Conclusion: Most dental surgeons at the PSF in João Pessoa/PB know and apply SUS principles, accomplishing their work by focusing on prevention and education, allied to healing treatments and acting in a multidisciplinary way, valuing contact with the community. DESCRIPTORS Buccal Health Family Health Program. Qualitative Research.