Oral health accessibility and the role of home dentistry in Brazil

Oral health care faces significant accessibility challenges for specific populations in Brazil, including the elderly with reduced mobility, bedridden patients, individuals with disabilities, and neurodivergent people. For these groups, logistical barriers such as transportation, specialized equipment, and caregiver coordination often lead to the delay of essential dental care, which can result in pain, infections, and periodontal disease.

To address these barriers, home dentistry is emerging as a viable solution, utilizing specialized equipment and biosafety protocols to provide care within the patient's own environment.

Data from the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Federal University of Minas Gerais, indicates that Brazil has approximately 665,365 oral health professionals, including 406,252 dentists. Experts emphasize that regular dental visits—ideally every six months—are crucial for preventive care and can help identify systemic health issues that extend beyond teeth and gums.