Prática odontológica indígena: um olhar crítico sobre a ausência de programas interinstitucionais entre universidades e DSEI

Abstract

This study critically analyzes the absence of interinstitutional programs between public universities and Distritos Sanitários Especiais Indígenas (DSEIs) and their implications for dental training and oral health care for Brazilian indigenous peoples, especially in Minas Gerais. This is a narrative, descriptive, and exploratory study based on a review of the literature, documents, and legislation, which addressed epidemiological data, public oral health policies, and official documents, with surveys in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and the Virtual Health Library. The analysis showed a high prevalence of oral diseases, difficulties in accessing services, discontinuity of care, a lack of standardized data, and structural and institutional limitations in the DSEIs, such as staff turnover, poor infrastructure, and insufficient preventive and educational measures. We also identified weaknesses in dental training for working in intercultural contexts, resulting in practices that are not very effective. Strengthening relations between public universities and DSEIs is presented as a central strategy for improving health care, valuing indigenous leadership and traditional knowledge, and training critical and socially committed professionals. The implementation of a program of coordination between the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora – campus Governador Valadares, the regional DSEI, and the Krenak people is proposed, with an intercultural focus and participatory activities, aiming to promote the training of students sensitive to indigenous specificities and the improvement of dental care. It is concluded that this articulation is fundamental to overcome structural limitations and ensure culturally appropriate care, promoting the autonomy of indigenous communities, in line with the guidelines of the National Policy for Health Care for Indigenous Peoples, and contributing to the promotion of equity, social justice, and the right to health of these peoples.