ORAL HEALTH TEAMS AND THEIR POTENTIAL IN HOME VISITS CONDUCTED WITHIN THE FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY

INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Since the creation of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), the Family Health Strategy (ESF) has played a central role in primary health. With the inclusion of Oral Health team (eSB) in the ESF, care for users and families across territories has expanded. In this context, home visits (HV) stand out as a strategy to improve access and continuity of care. Objective: To describe the potential of HV within the ESF, emphasizing the integrated role of eSB. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted in PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar, in Portuguese and English. Selection used DeCS controlled descriptors. Included were scientific articles, institutional documents, technical manuals, ministerial ordinances, and book chapters published between 2002 and 2024 addressing eSB activities during HVs within the ESF. Data were organized and thematically analyzed. Results: Fifteen publications were analyzed, including articles (n=9), manuals (n=3), institutional documents (n=2), and a book (n=1). Studies showed that eSB participation in home visits contributes to health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and strengthening bonds with users, while also enabling the addressing of social determinants and interdisciplinary integration. Persistent challenges include low coverage, inequities in access, weaknesses in planning, and management limitations. Conclusion: Home visits have potential to improve oral health care quality, but their effectiveness depends on overcoming structural and managerial barriers through investment in professional training, institutional support, and integration of health policies.