Atuação do cirurgião-dentista no ambiente hospitalar: revisão de literatura

Hospital dentistry contributes to oral health promotion and comprehensive care for hospitalized patients, especially those in critical condition. This article aims to analyze the role of dentists in hospital settings, highlighting the prevention of oral conditions, biofilm control, and the integration of oral health into multidisciplinary care. This literature review was based on publications consulted in Google Scholar, SciELO, and the CAPES Journals Portal, considering studies published between 2012 and 2026. Based on an initial search of 50 articles, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the selection of 25 studies to compose the review. The studies address oral examination, oral hygiene, and the participation of dentists in multidisciplinary teams, particularly in the care of hospitalized patients and those admitted to intensive care units. The literature also discusses the relationship between oral care and the prevention of infectious complications, including ventilator-associated pneumonia; however, effects on clinical outcomes should be interpreted according to the available evidence. It is concluded that dental care may contribute to comprehensive hospital care, reinforcing the importance of oral hygiene protocols and collaboration among healthcare professionals.