Socio-Economic Indicators and Dental Resources in Cities of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, at the End of the 20th Century

Socio-economic characteristics of the population were related to the resources of oral health services in the cities of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, at the end of the 20th century. The variables were submitted to a multiple linear regression analysis. The number of professionals in the public oral health system increases as the indicators of income and illiteracy get worse and expenditures in health increase. The number of dental attendants is still inadequate to introduce a new practice of team work in the heath system. In public services, the amount of dental equipment is equivalent to the number of dentists, which can indicate idleness of installed capacity. This variable is related to the lowest average income rate of the population and high income of the city. Dentists registered at the CRO/SP (responsible for the legalization of all oral health professionals in Sao Paulo State) are provided with the best socio-economic conditions. Public policy of oral health services is conducted according to the population needs and these resources are proportionally higher in cities presenting low socio-economic indicators.