Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal (2017-2024): entraves, avanços e desafios

Abstract

Introduction: Health policies in Brazil have undergone several transformations, with significant changes in oral health policies in recent years. Objective: To analyze the barriers, advances, and challenges faced by the National Oral Health Policy (PNSB) in Brazil, especially from 2017 to 2024. Methodology: This is a literature review conducted on the electronic databases LILACS, MEDLINE and BBO through the Virtual Health Library Portal and SciELO. Articles published in Portuguese and English from 2017 to 2024 addressing the topic of PNSB were selected. The findings were organized and discussed in three categories. Results: The PNSB faces challenges such as inadequate funding, a shortage of trained professionals, and regional inequalities in access to dental services within the SUS. The lack of resources compromises the expansion and quality of oral care, especially in underserved areas. The implementation of the new co-financing model for APS and eSB is a current challenge. The integration of the PNSB with other governmental initiatives is still weak, hindering effective health promotion and surveillance strategies. Despite this, advances such as the expansion of ESF teams and the implementation of CEOs have improved access and quality of services, showing the potential of the PNSB to promote oral health among Brazilians. Conclusion: The inclusion of the Brasil Sorridente program in the Organic Health Law in 2024 strengthened the PNSB, expanding promotion, prevention, and dental treatment actions within the SUS. However, challenges such as insufficient funding, lack of trained professionals in remote areas and regional inequalities in access to services persist. Finally, the implementation and monitoring of new eSB co-financing strategies, investments in professional training, policies to reduce regional inequalities and greater integration between oral health initiatives and other sectors are recommended to ensure universal and equitable access to dental care as advocated by the PNSB.