Intervenções não farmacológicas para o atendimento odontológico de pacientes com transtornos do comportamento

Abstract

This doctoral research aims to explore and highlight the importance of non- pharmacological management techniques in the dental context, contributing to the promotion of more accessible, safe, and humanized care for patients with behavioral disorders and impaired abilities. Considering the growing demand for alternatives to sedation or physical restraint, this study aims to contribute with evidence-based solutions that are applicable in clinical practice. The research resulted in the development of six main academic-scientific products: 1. An overview compiling and synthesizing evidence from systematic reviews regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in dentistry for patients with behavioral disorders, providing a critical and updated overview of the literature. 2. An educational booklet containing practical behavioral management strategies, focusing on psychological techniques and the integration of visual and sensory resources in the dental environment; 3. Intellectual Property Registration of a mobile application called PlayTeeth, designed to offer playful and educational preparation for patients with behavioral difficulties undergoing dental care; 4. A scientific article describing the development process, content validation, and usability evaluation of the PlayTeeth app, based on user-centered and participatory methodologies; 5. An informative brochure to promote the PlayTeeth app, written in accessible language for healthcare professionals and families, aiming to broaden the tool’s reach; 6. A book chapter reporting a clinical case of behavioral conditioning for dental care using exclusively non-pharmacological strategies, highlighting the clinical and behavioral outcomes observed throughout the follow-up; 7. Retrospective cohort study that analyzed clinical and behavioral data from patients treated in a dental setting, with a focus on the use of nonpharmacological strategies and the evaluation of their effects on treatment acceptance and patient cooperation. Thereby, this thesis contributes to the transformation of dental care for patients with special needs and uncooperative behavior, leading to humanized practices, patient autonomy, and the rational use of pharmacological interventions.