Strengthening oral health in early childhood: strategies to increase dental care access for infants aged 0 to 2 at Maracaná Sur Primary Health Clinic

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the barriers and facilitators affecting the dental care access of infants aged 0 to 2 at Maracaná Sur Primary Health Clinic, in order to identify improvement strategies adapted to the local context.

Methods: This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study with a participatory approach, aimed at analyzing barriers and strategies to improve the engagement of infants (0 to 2 years old) in dental check-ups in the Maracaná Sur neighborhood. Participants include caregivers (regardless of attendance at check-ups) and healthcare professionals from the local clinic. Exclusion criteria include lack of informed consent and children over 2 years old. Data collection will involve semi-structured interviews and document analysis.

Expected Results: To produce a participatory diagnosis that identifies barriers and good practices, providing context-specific recommendations to strengthen early childhood oral health care in the community.