Oral health care to homeless people: health professionals’ perception in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Background  Consumer societies have been producing enormous social inequalities, which have contributed to a portion of the population living on the streets. Among the several needs of homeless people, problems related to oral health are the most prevalent ones.

Objective  To demonstrate the perception of health professionals concerning oral health care actions aimed at people experiencing homelessness in the three capitals of southern Brazil.

Method  Cross-sectional, exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 health professionals, and the data was analyzed using Content Analysis technique.

Results  Each city investigated has a distinct approach to the organization and provision of oral health care to the homeless population. Their limitations to provide oral health care to this population involve the absence of oral health professionals working with them, the professionals’ lack of awareness of this population’s specificities and limited understating of the health-disease process regarding living on the streets.

Conclusion  Oral health care actions are focused on curative care services. Therefore, investments are required on the development of health professionals’ qualification, aiming to provide qualified responses to the needs of homeless people.

Keywords:  homeless people; primary health care; oral health