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%). The percentage of people receiving care was high in the five years prior to the survey (92.9%), as well as in the last six months (44.7%); it was lower in the transgender population (88.7% and 18.2% respectively). 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.