BETWEEN IDEAL AND PRACTICE: THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUS AND THE CHALLENGES OF DENTISTRY IN THE BRAZILIAN REALITY, A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SUS AND THE CHALLENGES OF DENTISTRY IN COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Dentistry is the art of oral health, with principles and values ​​aimed at providing those who use it with a life full of health and quality. It is worth noting that this science has been the subject of evolution since the beginnings of Brazilian society, having a long history of struggles and achievements for its validation as part of health and essential for the life of the population. With the arrival of the Unified Health System (SUS), access to dental treatments has become more frequent and attainable for Brazilians, most of whom depend on the health services offered by the government. The SUS has ideals that transform the Brazilian public system into a historical achievement, but does the daily life of the natives reflect this idealization? Objective: This work analyzed the historical concept of dentistry, the creation of the Unified Health System, along with the implementation of oral health within this system. In addition, we addressed the conceptual idealization of the public sector, highlighting the guidelines and principles of the SUS in all areas of health, and especially in dentistry. Next, we highlight the reality experienced by the Brazilian population in order to compare the ideal with the actual Unified Health System (SUS). After all, does the SUS, as an idealized system, materialize in the reality of Brazilians? Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative bibliographic review that analyzed, compiled, and compared the principles and guidelines established in the idealization of the Unified Health System with its practical effectiveness in the reality of Brazilian society in the field of dentistry. The research also considered the historical process of dentistry, the implementation of the SUS, and the insertion of dentistry in the Brazilian public sector. Results: Eighteen articles were gathered as part of a research study that confronted the principles and guidelines of the SUS, as envisioned in the 1988 Federal Constitution, with the reality of Brazilian municipalities and states, highlighting the discrepancy between theory and practice in public health in Brazil. Conclusion: It is possible to observe that the SUS is a social achievement and has obtained several advances during its 37 years of existence. The progress or regression of the Brazilian healthcare system is interconnected with the management style of the government at each stage of the SUS (Unified Health System) and the application of its principles in the daily lives of Brazilians. Although it has undergone several advancements, the Unified Health System still faces problems that need to be addressed.