Profile of the dentists members of the Family Health Program in a City South of Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the profile of the dentists members of the Family Health Program in a city south of Brazil. To conduct the study using a quantitative and qualitative methodological approach, by applying a questionnaire to dentists members of the Family Health Program in the city of Santa Maria-RS, in the month of August 2008. The questionnaire contained closed, open and semi-open questions. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and percentages. Most interviewed are female and age is between 28 and 45 years. The period of formation of dentists ranged between 3 and 24 years. Eighty percent of professionals have already developed activities in PSFs from other cities for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years. The dentists joined the PSF with temporary contract, play a day of work 40 hours weekly and receive 8 to 10 minimum wages monthly. All interviewees are specialists in Public Health, working in teams and are satisfied with the work done in the PSF. Believe that academic training did not provide the necessary basis to act in the Family Health Program. Preventive activities / education and clinics are performed by the interviewees. The evaluation of the profile of the dentists members of the Family Health Program is important for developing strategies to improve the skills of professionals and ensure the implementation of integrated policies for oral health to the Family Health Program.