On the world scene, the dental surgeon acts, mostly, in the private sector. In Brazil this reality begins to change with the inclusion of this professional in the Family Health Strategy (ESF). This case study performed in the central-western of Brazil seeks to comprehend the dentist's work within this context, through documental analysis, observation of work and interviews. From the thematic overview of content emerged two categories: the working conditions and the way of working at the ESF. The historical influence of the individual care model, the adverse context of work, the conceptions that professionals have about ESF and the autonomy which is granted to them constrain their performance.
Oral health; Primary Health Care; Dentists