Brazil Smiles Program: how to get free dental care

The Brasil Sorridente Program is one of the most relevant initiatives of the Unified Health System (SUS) to guarantee universal and free access to dental services in Brazil.

Created in 2004, it represents a significant transformation in public oral health.

In this sense, offering everything from basic procedures to specialized treatments, with a special focus on vulnerable populations.

But how exactly does this program work, and how can any citizen benefit from this right?

This text explores these questions, highlighting the importance of Brasil Sorridente, the steps to obtain assistance and the social impact of this public policy.

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What is the Smiling Brazil Program?

Smiling Brazil is the National Oral Health Policy that integrates the public health network.

Thus, offering free dental care to the entire Brazilian population.

In this sense, priority is given to more vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people in low-income situations.

Through it, the SUS provides services ranging from prevention, such as guidance and distribution of oral hygiene kits, to complex treatments, such as prosthetics and dental implants in Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs).

This public policy not only democratizes access to dental care, but also acts to prevent oral diseases.

In other words, they directly impact the quality of life, self-esteem and general health of the population.

The scope of the program is broad.

In short, it is present in more than 5,200 Brazilian municipalities, with multidisciplinary teams and basic health units (UBS) that function as a gateway for care.

The importance of Smiling Brazil can be compared to an irrigation system on a plantation.

Just as irrigation distributes water to all plants, ensuring their healthy growth.

In short, the program delivers essential dental care to the entire population.

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This way, preventing the lack of access from causing “droughts” in oral health, that is, serious and mutilating problems.

How can I get free dental care through Brasil Sorridente?

To access Brasil Sorridente services, citizens must initially go to the Basic Health Unit (UBS) or the Family Health Unit closest to their home.

It is necessary to present an identification document, SUS card and proof of residence to carry out the registration and dental evaluation.

After the initial assessment, the dentist will indicate the necessary treatment, which can range from cleaning and restorations to more complex procedures, such as root canal treatment or dental prosthetics.

In cases that require greater complexity, the patient may be referred to a Dental Specialties Center (CEO) or for hospital care, when necessary.

++ How to Use the Gov.br App to Access Public Services

Furthermore, the MeuSUS app makes it easier to locate units that offer dental care.

In this sense, allowing the user to find the nearest unit and schedule appointments easily.

This digital integration is a step forward that contributes to expanding access and organizing care.

Example 1: Ágatha, a 2-year-old child, had her first dental appointment with Brasil Sorridente.

She received preventive and restorative treatment, all free of charge, at the UBS in her city, avoiding future pain and promoting healthy habits from an early age.

Example 2: Mr. José, 72 years old, underwent a complex treatment of tooth extraction and total implant, also through the program.

This free service significantly improved their quality of life and self-esteem, showing that the program serves people from childhood to old age.

What treatments are offered by the Brasil Sorridente Program?

Brasil Sorridente offers a wide range of free dental procedures, including:

• Oral health exams and diagnostics
• Cleaning and tartar removal
• Dental restorations
• Root canal treatments
• Exodontia (tooth extraction)
• Dentures (in some CEOs)
• Dental implants (exclusively in Dental Specialty Centers)

In addition to these, the program promotes prevention actions, such as water fluoridation and educational campaigns on oral hygiene.

The table below summarizes the main services and where they are performed:

This diversity of services allows Brasil Sorridente to work not only in healing.

But also in prevention and rehabilitation, reducing the need for mutilating procedures.

For example, such as unnecessary extractions, which are still very common in the country.

Social impact and relevant statistics

Since its creation, Brasil Sorridente has performed an average of 260 million dental procedures per year over the last decade.

In this way, serving more than 86 million Brazilians registered in Primary Oral Health Care.

Despite this progress, there are still challenges: between 30% and 48% of the population needs some type of dental care, according to the National Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2020).

This statistic reveals that, although the program has expanded access, the demand for dental services is still high, especially in more vulnerable regions.

The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened this scenario, increasing the need to expand and strengthen the service network.

Why is Smiling Brazil essential for public health?

Have you ever stopped to think that oral health is a direct indicator of general health?

Dental problems can trigger infections, chronic pain and even affect eating and speech, impacting quality of life.

Smiling Brazil is not just a health program; it is a policy that promotes social inclusion, equity and dignity.

Just as a smile can open doors and create connections, access to free dental care paves the way for a healthier, more productive life.

Wouldn't it be fair if the right to a healthy smile were a privilege for a few?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can access the Smiling Brazil Program?
All Brazilian citizens have the right to free dental care through the SUS.

Therefore, priority is given to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and low-income people.

2. What documents are required for service?
Identification document, SUS card and proof of residence are required for registration and care at health units.

3. How do I schedule an appointment through the program?
Scheduling can be done directly at the UBS or through the app MySUS, which indicates the closest units with dental services available.

4. Does the program offer dental implants?
Yes, implants are offered, however, exclusively at Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs).

5. Is the service really free?
Yes, all services offered by Brasil Sorridente are free, guaranteed by the SUS.

The Brasil Sorridente Program is a vital bridge between citizens and quality oral health, promoting not only treatments, but also prevention and education.

Smiling Brazil Program: Conclusion

In short, the Brasil Sorridente Program is an essential public policy that democratizes access to oral health in Brazil, offering free, quality care to millions of Brazilians.

Despite significant advances, such as broad coverage and the diversity of treatments offered, there are still challenges to ensuring that everyone has access to a healthy smile.

Strengthening and expanding the program is essential to promote social inclusion, improve quality of life and ensure that the right to oral health is a reality for everyone.