A IMPORTÂNCIA DA ATUAÇÃO DO CIRURGIÃO-DENTISTA NA UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA (UTI).

Abstract

Hospital dentistry comprises a set of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic actions for orofacial diseases in patients in a hospital environment or in home care, carried out by a dentist with the aim of maintaining oral health. The aim of this article is to verify, through a literature review, the importance of dental care and the role of the dental surgeon in Intensive Care Units (ICU), in order to maintain the oral and general health of ICU patients.  The research was carried out in the "Scielo" (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases, Capes journals and the Virtual Health Library, using the following descriptors: "Dental surgeon", "oral health", "ICU". Thirteen publications were selected that were in line with the chosen theme, and the inclusion criteria were: articles published in full. The literature review revealed the importance of the dental surgeon in maintaining oral health and preventing hospital complications, through procedures carried out by the professional together with the multidisciplinary team in the Intensive Care Unit. It was found that the presence of the dental surgeon in the ICU is essential, improving the patient's oral and general health, reducing complications and improving their quality of life.