Social vulnerability and ethical-political problems across oral health in primary health care

Abstract

From a base survey of ethical problems for construction and validation of an Inventory of Ethical Problems in Primary Care for oral health, the objective was to deepen the analysis of those problems that are transversal to care and related to the context of social vulnerability. The survey was the result of qualitative research, with participation of 14 oral health professionals in the context of Primary Health Care in the metropolitan region of Florianópolis-SC, Brazil, and the data collected through interviews were submitted to content analysis and interpreted in the light of Amplified Clinical Bioethics and other references of Social Bioethics. Among the different ethical-political problems unveiled, those related to understanding/communication with patients and the structural violence and narco-dependence are discussed under a socio-historical perspective of Brazilian reality, seeking to broaden their understanding for the qualification of the professional performance. This analysis concludes by the need for a cultural change towards an expanded clinic that seeks interdisciplinary problematizations aimed at coping with social and programmatic vulneration contexts, building empowerment and dialogue potentiating links, sensitized by solidarity values and the ethical reflexivity of the health worker.