Artigo

131
ARTIGO ARTICLE
O papel do cirurgião-dentista no Sistema Único de Saúde
The role of dentists in the Unified
Health System (SUS)
1 Programa de Pós-
Graduação em Saúde
Coletiva, Universidade
Luterana do Brasil/ULBRA e Coordenadoria Geral de Vigilância da Saúde/
SMS de Porto Alegre.
Rua Miguel Tostes, 101 prédio 6, sala 124, São Luís.
92420-280 Canoas RS. [e-mail]. 2 Programa de Pós-
Graduação em Saúde
Coletiva, ULBRA e Programa de Pós-
Graduação em Odontologia,
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.
3 Coordenadora Geral de Vigilância da Saúde,
SMS, Porto Alegre.
Denise Aerts 1
Claídes Abegg 2
Kátia Cesa 3
Abstract The Brazilian Health System might be considered as a social process. It is of fundamental importance an ongoing discussion about its health care model, the theories explaining health and disease which give it theoretical support and the role of the different health professionals working in it. The purpose of this study is to deepen the discussion about the role of dentists in the Unified
Health System (SUS). The role of this professional might be considered in terms of central and local level. At central or districtal level dentists might work with interdisciplinary teams, planning healthy public policies and developing public health surveillance actions. Based on the proposals of the Otawa Charter, dentists at a local level may work to strengthing community action, to develop personal abilities and to reorientate health services. In this context, the reformulation of dental school curriculums will be necessary, in order to graduate workers capable of attending the demands and needs of the Health System. In addition, ongoing education of the professionals already working in SUS is required.
Key words Unified Health System, Dentists,
Healthy public policies, Health surveillance
Resumo O Sistema Único de Saúde é um processo social em construção permanente, sendo fundamental a contínua