Anomia: saúde bucal em voga

Abstract

The homeless population constitutes a social group marked by socioeconomic vulnerabilities and significant barriers in health services access, including dental care. The present study aimed to present the construction of a documentary focused on the social invisibility and challenges related to oral health access experienced by the homeless population. This is a qualitative study, structured as a case study and developed through audiovisual production as the central instrument of investigation and social awareness. The development occurred in four stages: ideation and scriptwriting, collection of audiovisual material, interpretation and organization of content, and editing/finalization of the documentary. Five homeless people and one dentist, all from the municipality of Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, participated in the documentary. The audiovisual product lasted 15 minutes and addressed themes related to oral health conditions, dental services access, experiences of social exclusion, and the psychosocial impacts associated with life on the streets. The reports revealed a high prevalence of tooth loss, caries lesions, and persistent pain, often without adequate management due to structural barriers to accessing health services. Furthermore, factors such as stigma, fear, difficulty adhering to treatment, and prioritization of immediate survival needs were identified as limiting elements to dental care. The participating dentist highlighted the oral health problems observed in this population, especially regarding periodontal disease and caries lesions. The invisibility of the vulnerable population directly impacts the neglect of their oral health needs. The documentary proved to be a relevant tool for social and scientific awareness, contributing to the expansion of the debate on equity, humanization of care, and strengthening of public policies aimed at vulnerable populations.