Preventive dental health programs

Abstract

Oral health is a relevant public health issue due to the high prevalence of oral diseases and their negative impact on the quality of life of populations. In this context, preventive oral health programs emerge as essential strategies for health promotion and the reduction of disease incidence. This study aimed to analyze the importance and effectiveness of preventive oral health programs in the context of public health. This is a qualitative narrative literature review, based on the selection of scientific articles from recognized databases such as PubMed and SciELO, with the support of Google Scholar to expand the search. A total of 10 relevant studies were selected for analysis. The results showed that interventions based on health education, fluoride use, sealant application, and the promotion of healthy habits are effective, especially when implemented in an integrated manner in school and community settings. In addition, these programs demonstrated cost-effectiveness, contributing to the reduction of expenses with complex dental treatments. However, limitations related to methodological standardization and challenges in implementation were identified, particularly among vulnerable populations. It is concluded that preventive oral health programs play a crucial role in improving population health conditions, and their expansion and strengthening within public policies are necessary.