This study sought to compare the prevalence and intensity of dental pain in the last 3 months in adolescents living in two areas within the scope of Family Health Strategy with different to oralhealth care approaches. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 adolescents selected from public schools in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Adolescents living in an area with an Oral Health Team in which of health promotion is predominant (Group I, N=150) were compared with those living in an area in which only dental treatment is offered (Group II, N=150). Demographic and socio-economic characteristics, oral health-related behavior and use of dental services were gathered. Prevalence and intensity of dental pain in the last 3 months was assessed using a tested and validated Likert scale. The mean age of the participants was 12.9±0.8 years, of which 46.7% were male. The prevalence of dental pain in the last 3 months was 33.7%, and did not differ between Groups I and II (P>0.05). Medium to high intensity dental pain in the last 3 months was associated with Group II (OR: 2.11 [CI95%=1.17-3.81]), after adjustment for covariates. Adolescents living in the area where only dental treatment is offered were more prone to severe dental pain compared to those living in the area where health programs are predominant.
Unified Health System; Dental pain; Epidemiology
