Abstract
Background
There is a massive demand for oral health by homeless individuals.
Objective
The objective of this study was to analyze the main needs and difficulties related to oral health care among homeless individuals of Recife’s Distrito Sanitário I.
Method
This is an exploratory, descriptive study, with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were held with 7 homeless individuals, 4 workers of the clinic on the street (Consultório na Rua - CnaR) and 12 primary care dentists. Subsequently, they were analyzed according to the content analysis method.
Results
Among the principal oral health needs, all individuals highlighted the lack and need of access to dental care by the homeless population. Adherence to treatment was cited by the dentists as a difficulty. However, this showed that it may be the result of dentist’s prejudice or lack of ability to receive patients in the dental consultation, as denounced by CnaR workers and homeless individuals.
Conclusion
It is necessary to strengthen oral health teams and CnaR by permanent education, thus ensuring that actions and access to the oral health services for homeless individuals is effective.
Keywords:
health services accessibility; oral health; homeless individuals