Evaluation of oral health service in Grao Mogol city, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: "the users' voice"

The objective of this study is to evaluate the oral health services in the city of Grao Mogol, Brazil by analyzing the user's perceptions. It was chosen the qualitative methodology using a semi-structured interview. The aspects investigated included the perception of the process of oral health/illness; knowledge, practices and value attributed to oral health; access to services; professional/patient relationship and assistance received. The interviews were analyzed and the central ideas extracted, which were considered in a final analysis of the study. It was observed that the oral health service in this city is going through a period of changes, but it still exist an iatrogenic-mutilator practice. However, health prevention and promotion gains space within health actions, acting as important factors to enhance oral health assistance and resulting improvement of the population quality of life. Users can feel the evolution of the service, but admit the necessity of more organization and definition on the access to services as well as an improvement on the communication professional/patient. The population starts to value the oral health as something important within the life conditions of each individual.