Amalgam x Composite Resin: supplies and restorative procedures more performed among Oral Health Teams in Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the availability of supplies and amalgam and composite resin restorations among Oral Health Teams (OHT) in Brazilian regions. Secondary data were extracted from Modules I and II of the 1st (2012) and V and VI of the 2nd (2014) and 3rd cycle (2017) of the external evaluation of the National Program for Access and Quality in Primary Care2. The proportions between regions and cycles were compared using the Chi-square test with the z-test adjusted by the Bonferroni method (p<0.05). Among 2012, 2014, and 2017 there was a significant reduction in the proportion of OHT that performed amalgam restorations (87.5%, 89.2%, and 80.2%; p<0.001) and an increase in resin composite (92.5 %, 97.7%, and 99.0%; p<0.001), with the same trend in Brazilian regions (p<0.001). Amalgamator availability decreased among 2012 (99.0%), 2014 (98.4%) and 2017 (85.6%) (p<0.001). Amalgam availability was lower in 2017 (80.1%), compared to 2012 (87.5%) and 2014 (97.5%) (p<0.001). The availability of light curing decreased between 2012 (99.0%), 2014 (98.4%) and 2017 (85.6%) (p<0.001), being less available in the North (95.7%) (p<0.001). The light-curing resin increased between 2012 (94.1%), 2014 (96.6%) and 2017 (97.0%) (p<0.001), with no increase only in the North (p=0.134). While there was a reduction in supplies and amalgam restoration, there was an increase in supplies and resin composite restorations in the period evaluated in all Brazilian regions. However, regional disparities are still evident, with fewer supplies of restorative services in the North region.