THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESENCE OF THE DENTAL SURGEON IN THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)

Abstract

The importance of Dentistry in promoting oral health and enhancing the quality of life of hospitalized patients is undeniable. Neglecting oral health can lead to adverse consequences for the patient's overall health status, compromising their clinical condition and potentially impacting other bodily systems, thereby prolonging hospitalization time. The significance of oral hygiene in preventing infections and in the health of hospitalized patients in ICUs is indisputable. However, the lack of clear protocols or adequate knowledge on the part of nursing teams underscores the crucial need for the presence of a dentist in the multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective intervention in patients' oral health. The study aimed to conduct a literature review and emphasize the importance of the dentist's presence in the multidisciplinary team in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), as well as the influence of oral health care on the overall quality of life of hospitalized patients.