National oral health policity and the prevention of chilhood caries: advances, challenges and perspectives in the SUS

Abstract

Oral health in Brazil has undergone significant changes with the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy (PNSB), especially through the Brasil Sorridente program. Integrated into Sistema Unico de Saúde (SUS), the PNSB expanded access to dental services and promoted preventive actions, primarily benefiting vulnerable populations. However, childhood dental caries remains one of the biggest public health challenges due to its implications on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children. Factors such as low income, the education level of caregivers and regional inequalities are associated with the high prevalence of caries in childhood. The underfunding of SUS, the unequal distribution of dental services, and the shortage of professionals in remote areas hinder access to care, exacerbating regional inequalities. However, the creation of Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs), the expansion of Oral Health Teams (ESB) within the Family Health Strategy (ESF), and intersectional programs like Health in School have contributed to promoting oral health education and reducing caries rates in children. A narrative review was conducted to understand the difficulties in accessing public oral health services in Brazil, with an emphasis on children's oral health.

Keywords: dental care, health services , dental caries.