Adesão dos dentistas do Sistema Único de Saúde à prescrição de plantas medicinais/fitoterápicos: um estudo observacional

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the prevalence of Primary Health Care (PHC)/Unified System of Health (USH) dentists who prescribe medicinal plants/herbal medicines and associate them with sociodemographic and professional aspects, knowledge on the subject, clinical practice, training and personal use. This is an observational study, with data collection from March to July 2023, in a sample of 563 Brazilian dentists. A previously tested instrument was applied, via Google Forms, with questions about sociodemographic and professional aspects; knowledge about Phytotherapy/medicinal plants in USH and Dentistry, in addition to clinical practice, training and personal use on the subject. It was found that 161 (28.6%) dentists claimed to prescribe herbal medicines/medicinal plants. The habit of asking the patient if he uses this type of resource, previous theoretical background, the feeling of considering himself capable of prescribing and personal use showed association with adherence to the prescription. On the other hand, sociodemographic and professional characteristics, as well as knowledge about regulations and policies regarding the provision of this complementary therapy, were not statistically associated with prescription. It is concluded that there are tools for sensitization of Dental Surgeons (DS) about the importance of Phytotherapy/Medicinal Plants, with a view to qualifying them and that guaranteeing security for approaching this theme, in the professional patient relationship, is fundamental in directing effective implementation actions of the public policies to offer this practice through the PHC/USH DSs. In addition, the cultural/historical aspect of the use of Phytotherapy/Medicinal Plants, as it occurs in the general population, must be highlighted and strengthened.