The challenges of funding, professional qualification, and the humanization of care are at the center of discussions at the first Regional Symposium on Oral Health, held this Monday (11/9) at the Ruy Hülse Auditorium at Unesc. Organized by the Regional Health Management of Criciúma, through the State Health Department, the meeting brought together professionals, managers, professors, students, and representatives from institutions related to Dentistry.
With the theme "Oral Health in Network: Integrating Territories, Strengthening SUS – The Future of Dentistry in SUS," the program promoted the exchange of experiences and updates on issues related to dental care in the public network. The event featured representatives from the 12 municipalities of the Carboniferous Region Municipalities Association (Amrec), as well as members of the State Government and entities from the field.
Welcoming the participants, the coordinator of the Dentistry course at Unesc, Renan Ceretta, emphasized the importance of discussing oral health as an integral part of a public system with universal access.
"It is essential to debate Dentistry as an integral part of the Unified Health System (SUS), considered one of the largest systems of universal health access in the world. We, as professionals in the field, have the responsibility to demonstrate to society the relevance of the work developed by SUS in assisting the population," he highlighted.
The Municipal Secretary of Health of Criciúma and president of the Regional Intermanagement Commission (CIR) of the Carboniferous Region, Deivid de Freitas Floriano, emphasized the need to broaden the discussion on the funding of Dentistry within the Unified Health System. As an example, he presented the difference between the amounts allocated by the public system's table and the costs incurred by municipalities.
"A root canal treatment receives approximately R$ 48.80 according to the SUS table, while the municipality spends nearly R$ 600 to perform the procedure. The update of these values needs to be on the agenda of the three levels of government, considering the costs of treatments and technological advancements in the field," he stated.
The manager also highlighted the importance of training meetings beyond the routine of dental offices. "The qualification of professionals, combined with humanized care, contributes to improving the assistance offered to the population," he emphasized.
Management and Qualification
The regional health manager of Criciúma, Moyra Feltrin Lopes, representative of the State Health Department in the region, highlighted the presence of dental professionals in management roles. "The region went many years without dentists or dental health technicians leading these activities. This change represents a significant advancement for the organization of services," she reported.
Humanization and Responsibility
The importance of welcoming patients during care was addressed by state deputy Jessé Lopes, a trained dentist. The parliamentarian shared experiences related to the demands of the population and advocated for maintaining sensitivity in contact with patients. "The quality of care depends on both humanization and technical responsibility in the execution of procedures. Treat the patient as you would like to be treated," he stated.
The representative of the Regional Council of Dentistry of Santa Catarina, José Roberto Macarini, emphasized the role of the entity in guiding professionals. "Oversight seeks to promote ethics and ensure adequate standards for the practice of Dentistry, in addition to contributing to the quality of services offered to society," he said.
During his participation, the coordinator of the Dentistry course at Unesc, Renan Ceretta, recalled investments made in the Dentistry Clinic through resources allocated by state deputy Jessé Lopes.
The symposium program includes the opening lecture "Dentistry in SUS: Integrating Territories and Strengthening the Network," delivered by Cristian Serpa. Debates on the new legislation in Dentistry and the integration between clinic, pathology, and radiology in diagnosis are also planned.
