THE ROLE OF THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST WITHIN THE SUS (BRAZILIAN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM) NETWORK FOR CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH CARE: CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

Child dental care within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) faces challenges related to access, service organization, and the needs of the pediatric population. This study aimed to analyze evidence on the role of pediatric dentists within the SUS healthcare network, their contributions, and challenges in Primary Health Care. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory literature review based on narrative and interpretative synthesis. PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO were searched for publications from 2016 to 2026. A total of 332 records were identified, including 21 duplicates and 303 records excluded after screening, resulting in eight included studies. The findings addressed access to dental services, the organization of Primary Health Care, professional qualifications, the effectiveness of specialized care, and regional inequalities in the provision of pediatric dental procedures. Records of procedures performed by pediatric dentists within the SUS were also identified, demonstrating their participation in the public healthcare network. However, the analyzed publications do not establish the superiority of any specific model for integrating these specialists into Basic Health Units. It is concluded that the qualification of general dental practitioners, continuing professional education, and coordination between levels of care are relevant to strengthening child dental care, while the participation of pediatric dentists may be considered according to healthcare needs and the organization of the service network.