Oral health care in the LGBTQIA+ population

Abstract

This study analyzes oral health care for the LGBTQIA+ population in view of the lack of information on oral  health in this population and the recent changes in the  National Oral Health Policy (PNSB), that have weakened  progress and enabled setbacks in this area. A descriptive  cross-sectional study was carried out, using a semi- structured questionnaire that was self-applied online. A  total of 359 people answered, 329 (91.9%) were eligible. Of  these, 38% gays, 23.4% lesbians, and 13.4% transgenders.  Most were between 18 and 39 years old (73.3%) and Black  (51.4%). Only 18.8% of  this population had been treated in the public health  system, and this was higher among transgender people  (45.5%) and Black people (25.4%). The self-perception of  oral health for the majority was good or very good (53.2%); but bad or very bad (45.5%) for transgender. Most reported preferring to be assisted by an LGBT professional  (69.0%). The transgender and Black population were the  most vulnerable to assistance, indicating that race, gender, and sexuality directly influence access to health care, so an  intersectional approach is essential for the organization of  the service.