Want to know how Smiling Brazil brings free dental treatment to the population? Check out who is entitled and all the details

Access to dental services is essential for everyone's health and quality of life.

In Brazil, a specific programme is transforming the reality of millions of Brazilians who previously had no access to basic or specialised dental treatment.

This programme is Brasil Sorridente (Smiling Brazil), a government initiative that aims to offer free and accessible dental services to the population.

Created to meet the need for dental treatment in different regions of the country, Smiling Brazil represents a significant advance in the public health sector.

The importance of oral health goes beyond aesthetics and has a direct impact on general well-being, since oral problems can lead to serious illnesses and compromise other functions in the body.

This programme aims to offer everything from preventive care to more complex procedures, such as dental implants. This comprehensive approach helps to reduce health problems related to poor oral care and improves the quality of life for many Brazilians.

To this end, Smiling Brazil relies on a network of specific actions and service units throughout the country.

In addition, Smiling Brazil is one of the programmes aimed at integrating oral health into public policies, promoting inclusive and equitable care.

With the creation of service units and a range of procedures offered free of charge, it expands the population's access to essential services.

In this article, we'll explore how Brasil Sorridente works, who can take part and how this programme impacts public health in Brazil.

If you want to understand more about the actions of this programme or how it can benefit you or your family, read on to find out all the details.

What is Smiling Brazil?

Brasil Sorridente is a national public policy created in 2004 with the aim of promoting and expanding access to oral health services.

With a free service structure, the programme aims to ensure that all Brazilians can take care of their oral health, especially those who live in conditions of social vulnerability.

Brasil Sorridente offers a variety of services, from preventive care, such as cleanings and fluoride applications, to more complex treatments, including surgery and dental implants.

As well as being an initiative aimed at social inclusion, Smiling Brazil also aims to reduce the impact of oral diseases on public health. It is estimated that untreated oral conditions can lead to significant health complications, aggravating heart, respiratory and other diseases.

As a result, the programme benefits not only patients' health, but also the public health economy by preventing problems that would require more costly treatments in the future.

How does Smiling Brazil work?

Brasil Sorridente operates on the basis of a care network that covers the entire national territory, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable areas.

The programme works in partnership with the Unified Health System (SUS), with Dental Speciality Centres (CEOs) and basic health units offering dental services.

Each service unit is equipped to carry out a variety of procedures, according to local needs.

As a result, Brasil Sorridente is able to offer everything from simple procedures, such as fillings and extractions, to more advanced treatments, such as prostheses and dental implants.

Another distinguishing feature of the programme is the investment in prevention and education activities, with awareness campaigns on oral hygiene and regular visits to schools.

Actions and programmes offered by Smiling Brazil

Brasil Sorridente has a series of actions and sub-programmes aimed at meeting the different demands of the population.

Dental Speciality Centres (CEOs):

• They offer specialised dental treatments.
• They treat cases that require advanced procedures and surgeries.

Family Health Units:

• They provide basic and preventive care.
• They are available in several locations to ensure initial access to treatment.

Assistance for specific groups:

• Specialised treatments for children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
• Inclusive care to meet the specific needs of each group.

Mobile Service Units:

• Available for rural regions and hard-to-reach communities.
• The mobile units take dental care to remote areas where there is no UBS nearby.

Training Professionals:

• The programme invests in the training and specialisation of oral health professionals.
• The training aims to improve the quality of care and increase the reach of the programme.

Distribution of oral hygiene kits:

• Delivery of kits with items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste to schools.
• The initiative reinforces the importance of prevention and oral health education from an early age.

Who can take part in the programme?

Brasil Sorridente is aimed at the entire Brazilian population, with an emphasis on people in situations of social vulnerability.

This includes children, teenagers, adults and the elderly who need dental care and who, for financial reasons, would not be able to afford private treatment.

The service is free and prioritises those on low incomes or who live in hard-to-reach areas with no alternative dental care.

To receive care, citizens need to be registered with SUS and undergo screening at a family health unit or speciality centre. Priority access is for those who need it most, but any Brazilian can benefit, especially in cases of urgent need.

How to take part in the programme

To take part in Smiling Brazil and receive free dental care, you just need to follow a few simple steps to register for the programme and complete the initial screening. See the step-by-step below:

1. Register with SUS: The first step is to be registered with the Unified Health System (SUS). To do this, go to a Basic Health Unit (UBS) with your personal documents, such as ID, CPF and proof of residence. This registration is essential to access the services offered by the SUS, including those of Smiling Brazil.
2. Find your nearest UBS: After registering, go to the Basic Health Unit (UBS) closest to your home. These units are responsible for initial care and referrals for specialised treatment, if necessary.
3. Carry out dental screening: When you arrive at the UBS, you will undergo a dental screening. At this stage, health professionals will assess your needs and determine the type of treatment required, which can range from preventative care to more complex interventions such as dental implants.
4. Referral for treatment: Based on the screening, you will be directed to the appropriate treatment. If you need advanced procedures, such as those offered at Dental Speciality Centres (DSCs), the BHU will provide the necessary referral.
5. Follow-up through My SUS: After starting treatment, use the Meu SUS app to monitor the progress of appointments and check information on appointments, oral health history and care guidelines.

This simplified process allows anyone to have access to free, quality dental care, contributing to more efficient and affordable oral health.

For more information on the programme, visit the federal government's official website.

Meu SUS Digital App: makes it easier to monitor treatments

The app My Digital SUS is a digital platform that allows SUS users to access and monitor their health information in a practical and centralised way. Available as a free download, the app makes it easier to track appointments and monitor health history.

Advantages of Meu SUS Digital for Smiling Brazil:

• Treatment History: With Meu SUS Digital, it is possible to check all the appointments made, including dental procedures, consultations and treatments under the Smiling Brazil programme.
• Booking follow-up: The app informs users about upcoming appointments, making it easier for them to organise their appointments and return visits.
• Oral Health Guidelines and Tips: Meu SUS Digital also offers preventive care guidelines, which help users maintain good oral health between treatments.

To use Meu SUS, simply download the app to your device, register with your personal details and SUS card number and access information about your health. This digital tool makes it easier to follow all the steps in the Smiling Brazil programme and contributes to more efficient and organised access to dental care.

Access Meu SUS Digital and follow your journey towards a healthier smile!

*You will be redirected to another site.

Benefits of the Programme

Among the main benefits of Smiling Brazil are free access to dental treatment and social inclusion through oral health.

This is life-changing for many Brazilians, who now have access to essential dental services.

The programme also offers rehabilitation for those who have lost teeth, providing dentures and dental implants.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the programme's most impactful offers, enabling the rehabilitation of people who have lost teeth and were previously unable to afford treatment.

Implants improve chewing, speech and self-esteem. At Brasil Sorridente, the process for implants involves a triage to identify the most urgent cases, ensuring that care reaches those who really need it.

The impact of Smiling Brazil on public health

The impact of Smiling Brazil on public health is significant. The programme not only improves the oral health of the population, but also reduces the demand for emergency care due to dental complications.

By promoting prevention and offering affordable treatment, Smiling Brazil contributes to reducing systemic diseases associated with untreated oral problems, such as infections and heart disease.

Brasil Sorridente also strengthens the SUS by integrating oral health services into public health policies.

This means that by serving a greater number of people and offering preventive care, the programme eases the burden on other areas of health, generating savings for the system and improving care for the population.

Final considerations

Smiling Brazil is a transformative programme that contributes to social inclusion and improves the quality of life of millions of Brazilians.

With free care and a network of specialised health units, the programme provides access to treatments ranging from prevention to rehabilitation through implants.

The importance of this programme is reflected in its impact on public health and the benefits it brings to the population.

Through broad and focussed actions, Smiling Brazil represents an advance in oral health care, making a healthy smile a reality for all Brazilians.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sign up for Smiling Brazil? 

Enrolment is done by registering with the SUS and undergoing screening at a nearby family health unit.

What treatments does Smiling Brazil offer? 

The programme offers everything from preventive treatments such as cleanings to complex procedures such as dental implants.

Does the programme cater for people of all ages? 

Yes, Smiling Brazil serves children, adults and the elderly, prioritising people in vulnerable situations.

Do I have to pay any fees to take part in Smiling Brazil? 

No. Brasil Sorridente offers free dental treatment to all Brazilians registered with SUS.

How can I follow my treatment with Smiling Brazil? 

It is possible to follow up via the Conecte SUS app, which facilitates access to information and health history.