Oral Health Policy in Brazil Between 2003 and 2014: Scenarios, Proposals, Actions, and Outcomes

This study examined the implementation of Brazil's National Oral Health Policy by the three governments during the period 2003 to 2014. It provides a general overview of oral health care scenarios and examines institutional proposals and actions developed by the executive branch based on the components of the health care system. A documental analysis was conducted using documents produced by key government agencies. The findings show that there was an increase in the provision and coverage of public dental services between 2003 and 2006 and that rates were maintained to a certain degree in subsequent periods (2007 to 2010 and 2011 to 2014). There was an expansion in government funding, human resources and infrastructure. The amount of funds transferred to state and local governments increased from 83.4 million in 2003 to 916 million in 2014, equivalent to a 10.9 fold increase. However, the use of public dental services remained stable, with only a slight increase from 29.7% in 2003 to 30.7% in 2008, while private service utilization increased from 64.4% in 2003 to 74.3% in 2013. The care model component was given lowest priority by the three governments. This shortcoming influences policy effectiveness and requires the adoption of future measures by healthcare managers and officials to correct the situation.