Challenges for the integration of oral health actions

The National Oral Health Policy - Smiling Brazil Program considered a milestone in the history of public policies in Brazil incorporating Oral Health Teams expanding access and the implementation of Dental Specialty Centers (CEO) structuring elements of secondary care for the continuity of care initiated by primary care. In this context effective referral and counter-referral systems are essential for integrating the care network and guaranteeing the comprehensive care provided for by the SUS and supported by the Federal Constitution as a right. In this context the aim of this research was to analyze how the link between primary and secondary care is processed and the perceptions and practices involved in this process with regard to oral health actions in the district of Ilha do Governador in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro.