Family Health Strategy dental surgeons’ perception of Integrative and Complementary Practices

Abstract

Although institutionalized in the Unified Health System, the dynamics of implementing Integrative and Complementary Practices  in the Family Health Strategy, from the perspective of dentistry, represents an unprecedented field of study. The aim was to understand the perception of dental surgeons working in this context in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, regarding the incorporation and implementation of these practices. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with forty dentists, which were recorded, transcribed and submitted to Bardin’s content analysis. Three categories emerged from the data: the understanding of PICS, the perception of incorporation and implementation, and the perception of PICS policies. There was unanimous understanding, acceptance and interest in the practices, showing their value in line with the guidelines of the related policies, highlighting the significant potential available in the municipality. However, challenges such as gaps in knowledge of specific dental policies and regulations, as well as shortcomings in the continuing education process, highlight the importance of improving strategies for disseminating information and training professionals. The conclusion is that, although they have been incorporated and there is considerable potential for expansion, barriers need to be overcome to achieve effective implementation of PICS in the municipality, including in specific contexts such as dentistry.