DENTAL IMPLANTS IN THE BRAZILIAN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM: REGIONAL DISPARITIES IN THE PROVISION OF OSSEOINTEGRATED DENTAL IMPLANTS IN THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM (2011–2025): AN ANALYSIS OF EQUITY AND SYMBOLIC POLICY

Abstract

Considering that the legislative universalization of dental implants in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) does not necessarily translate into equitable access across the national territory, it becomes relevant to analyze the regional distribution of these procedures in Brazil. This study aims to analyze the regional distribution of osseointegrated dental implants provided by the SUS between 2011 and 2025, identifying regional inequalities and associated factors. To this end, an ecological time-series study with an observational and descriptive design was conducted using secondary data from official health information systems, including the Ambulatory Information System of the SUS (SIA/SUS), the National Oral Health Survey (SB Brasil 2023), and population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The results show that 192,116 dental implants were recorded in the SUS during the study period, with a marked regional concentration. The South region accounted for 62.85% of all procedures, whereas the North region performed only 0.88%, despite presenting high prevalence of edentulism. Additionally, nine Brazilian states reported no implant procedures during the period analyzed. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the number of Specialized Dental Centers (CEOs) and implant production (ρ = 0.563; p = 0.0022), although this factor does not fully explain regional disparities. It is concluded that the provision of dental implants within the SUS remains unevenly distributed, reflecting structural factors and political decisions that influence the organization of specialized oral health services.