Abstract

LEONCIO, Larissa Lima et al. Diagnosis and referral of patients with oral diseases in public health services of Patos, Pernambuco, Brazil: role of the dentist in references and counter-references. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2015, vol.51, n.4, pp. 210-215. ISSN 1516-0939.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the conduct of dentists (DS) from the Public Health System of Patos, Pernambuco, Brazil, concerning the diagnosis of oral diseases. Methods: This study was conducted through a questionnaire applied to 50 DS who work in the Public Health System in this region. Statistical analyses were descriptively performed through absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables. The tests were calculated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.0 for Microsoft Windows. Results: It was observed that 38% of the DS do not perform intra- or extra-oral clinical examinations. However, 96% do inform their patients about the risk factors for oral cancer, and 72% provide advice about mouth self-examinations. Among all DS, 80% knew nothing about the official anatomopathological laboratory for the submission of surgical specimens, and 36% had no knowledge regarding referral centers to forward patients with oral malignancy. Conclusion: All of the evaluated DS presented relatively satisfactory stances on the prevention of oral diseases, since most of them commonly report the risk factors to their patients and advise them about mouth self-examinations. However, it was also observed that when they detect oral alterations, they do not have a specific protocol to be followed regarding the referral and/or treatment of these patients, nor for the analysis of surgical specimens.

Keywords : Public health.; Dentistry.; Oral pathology..