Comunicação e acessibilidade na odontologia: desafios e estratégias para um atendimento humanizado a pacientes com deficiência auditiva e surdez

Communication between dentists and patients is a fundamental element in providing safe, accessible, and humanized care. However, deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals may face communication barriers during dental care, particularly due to insufficient professional preparation to address their specific needs. This study aimed to analyze the main challenges related to communication between dentists and deaf or hard-of-hearing patients, identifying existing barriers and the strategies described in the literature to promote accessibility, inclusion, and humanized dental care. This study consisted of a literature review conducted through searches in Google Scholar, the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and PubMed, using terms related to deafness, Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), dentistry, hearing impairment, and dental care. After the selection process, 14 studies were included and descriptively analyzed. The results showed that communication barriers constitute one of the main challenges in providing care to this population, particularly limited knowledge of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), insufficient professional training, and difficulties related to understanding information and ensuring patient autonomy. The strategies identified included the use of Libras, written communication, gestures, visual resources, interpreters, and assistive technologies. The studies also emphasized the importance of academic training and continuing education for dentists. It was concluded that improving communication and professional training may contribute to more accessible, inclusive, and humanized dental care while respecting the individual communication needs of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.