Occupational Dentistry: the state of the art, indicating paths for health promotion in contemporary work contexts – scoping review

Abstract

The field of Occupational Dentistry has considered theoretical-scientific ballast. This scoping review aims to reveal the state of the art on the subject in seven indexed research bases, considering almost 100 years of publications (1921-2020). Of the 337 productions initially identified, a cut was made for the last six years (2015-2021/January), applying the methodology proposed by the PRISMA extension for scope reviews (PRISMA-ScR). However, rapid review platforms used for decision making in formulating public policies or in improving health systems accounted for only 20 publications, whereas the sample of 34 productions revealed peculiarities: research favors work regimes; associates the field of study and practice with the stricto sensu model of occupational health; disregards broad and humanizing concepts in the field of Worker’s Health; tends to prioritize its own occupational dental health, and seems to reduce the concept of work accidents to illnesses. Such issues need to be overcome if the perspective is to remain at the forefront, promoting health and safety in contemporary work contexts, since, although the transversality of this field of knowledge and practices is evident, more is needed, daring to remove it from invisibility whether in private or public work organizations is necessary.