HOSPITAL DENTISTRY: A STUDY ON THE WORK OF DENTISTRY PROFESSIONALS IN A HOSPITAL'S MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM

Abstract

Hospital dentistry plays a vital role in preventing oral alterations in hospitalized patients, contributing to comprehensive healthcare and prioritizing patient recovery. In this context, the integration of the dental surgeon (DS) into the hospital’s multidisciplinary team is a crucial strategy for improving patient care and clinical outcomes, especially in high-complexity settings. This integration enables the DS to perform key roles in the assessment and management of oral health, considering that oral infections can have significant repercussions on systemic health. Therefore, the central issue of this study arises: How does the integration of the dental surgeon into the hospital’s multidisciplinary team impact patient care and recovery? Aiming to explore this question, this work proposes a literature review to understand the DS’s responsibilities within the hospital environment. The general objective of the study is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the role of this professional in multidisciplinary teams, while the specific objectives include identifying the consequences of the lack of dental care in hospitalized patients, analyzing the frequency and types of interventions performed by dental surgeons, and investigating the current state of integration of these professionals into multidisciplinary teams and its influence on patient care. The research will be conducted through an integrative literature review, using databases such as PUBMED, SciELO, BVS Dentistry, CAPES, and LILACS, with articles published between 2014 and 2024. Ultimately, the findings of this study contribute to highlighting the importance of dental evaluations in reducing infectious complications, reinforcing the strategic role of the dental surgeon in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of treatments in hospital settings. Furthermore, it seeks to emphasize the benefits of effective integration between dental surgeons and medical teams, promoting a more efficient and patient-centered multidisciplinary approach that can significantly elevate the quality of care provided.