Resumen

SALIBA GARBIN, Cléa Adas et al. Personal Treatment Evaluation Received by Deaf Patients in the Dentist Office. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2008, vol.46, n.4, pp.446-450. ISSN 0001-6365.

World Health Organization estimates that 10% of the world population in less developed countries has some physical deficiency. In Brazil, this percentage increases up to 14,5% in the total of population, and deafness occupies the third position in prevalence of deficiencies. This study aimed to analyze the perception of deaf in relation to the personal treatment received in dentist offices. An interview was carried out to 26 deaf persons that were participating in the 6th Deaf International Congress "Keirai Heiguiai" in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. A form containing questions on the profile of the patient, communication methods used during dental attendance and perception of the clinical and personal treatment given by the dentist was applied to 26 deaf. In relation to educational level, 37.05% of the interviewees had uncompleted medium level of education. 46.15% of the 26 patients stated that they had been discriminated during dental attendance. 92.31% related a good attendance by the dental staff, however only 30.77% mentioned that they had been well-understood by the dentist. There was a little difference between the percentages of patients who did not understand the dentist communication (30.77%) in relation to those who were not well-understood by the professionals (34.62%). The most used method of communication was the one supported by an interpreter (46.15%). We can conclude that the dental attendance as well as the patient-professional relation should be improved to guarantee satisfaction of the deaf and to enhance the oral health of these patients.

Palabras clave : Oral Health; Deafness; Discrimination.