Humanização do atendimento odontológico para pessoas com deficiência

Abstract

Humanization in health services is a concept that aims to place human beings at the center of care, prioritizing their dignity, autonomy and well-being. It is an approach that recognizes the importance of interpersonal relationships, empathy and compassion in the context of health care delivery. A patient with special needs is defined as a person who has a specific condition that requires special care during part or all of their life. By understanding the uniqueness and challenges that patients with special needs face, dentists can adapt their practices and communication to create a welcoming and trusting environment. This empathetic approach helps the patient feel safer, more confident and less anxious during dental procedures. Another important point is that humanized care helps build relationships of trust between patients, their families and the dentist. Persons with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities as others, obtaining broad access to health care and services. Techniques and treatment approaches for people with disabilities include welcoming, family involvement, behavioral conditioning and psychological support. For humanized dental care to be effective for patients with special needs, it is essential that health professionals receive adequate and continuous training to address issues of empathy, communication, accessibility and personalization of procedures. It is important that facilities and equipment are designed to ensure access for all patients. Also noteworthy is the importance of a multidisciplinary team, formed by a group of professionals dedicated to providing this effective and humanized treatment. Studies published between 2002 and 2021 in PubMed, LILACS, BIREME and SCIELO databases were reviewed. After careful analysis of the referenced evidence, 74 articles were classified in this literature review. Humanized dental care for patients with special needs involves preventive procedures related to the basic problems faced in the daily life of people with special needs, being essential to improve oral hygiene and quality of life for these individuals. By practicing empathy, personalization and inclusion, dental professionals can play an important role in improving the health and well-being of these patients, thus contributing to a fairer and more inclusive society.