ATUAÇÃO DO CIRURGIÃO DENTISTA EM AMBIENTE HOSPITALAR

The study presents a literature review aimed at highlighting the importance of the dental surgeon (DS) in hospital settings. The role of this professional is crucial for the overall health of patients, especially those admitted to intensive care units (ICU), where systemic complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia can be prevented through proper oral care. The DS’s role goes beyond traditional dental care, encompassing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral conditions that can directly affect patient recovery. The literature review was conducted using a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic search of relevant scientific articles on the subject. The databases consulted included Bireme, Google Scholar, Scielo, and PubMed, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of the DS’s impact on promoting health and preventing complications in hospital environments. The results of the review emphasize the need to integrate the dental surgeon into multidisciplinary hospital teams, as their involvement significantly contributes to reducing infections and other systemic complications related to oral health. Furthermore, the presence of this professional can optimize patient recovery time, improve quality of life during hospitalization, and reduce hospital costs associated with the treatment of secondary complications. These findings reinforce the importance of public policies that promote the systematic inclusion of the DS in hospital settings.