Programa de Saúde Bucal na Marinha: em busca de uma atitude preventiva aos usuários do Sistema de Saúde da Marinha

Abstract

The Navy Oral Health Program recommends actions for the disease prevention, the health promotion and the awareness of the Navy Health System users on the importance of their commitment to maintain their oral health. It is wondered if the selfperception of these users as to the actions of disease prevention and oral health promotion demonstrates their awareness of the need to develop preventive attitudes. This work aimed to, through a survey,analyze the perception of a sample of patients from Navy Oral Clinic about the actions developed in the Department of Preventive Dentistry, and also point out the possible benefits that awareness and a change of attitudes to oral health can bring to both individuals and for the system. The results showed that most participants demostrated good awareness of the need to develop attitudes regarding preventive dental care. It was also pointed up the potential benefits that awareness can bring to the users and the system. Finally, it was emphasized that the Brazilian Navy should continue to use the actions, both preventive and health promotion aimed at increasing the number of users conscious and healthy, so is expected to reduce the demand for more complex and costly dental services.