Adaptations in dental public health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in municipalities of Southern Brazil: a grounded theory and collaborative research

The aim of this study was to analyze oral health actions in four municipalities in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic according to a theoretical framework model on oral healthcare management. It was a qualitative study carried out in two stages. A theoretical-empirical model on the significance of oral healthcare management was developed, following the Grounded Theory method. Fourteen dentists and five healthcare managers participated, through open interview. Subsequently, collaborative research was performed, and the model was applied to analyze the documents produced to address the pandemic by each of four municipalities in Santa Catarina State. The model provided a framework for analyzing actions for coping with the pandemic regarding oral health services. Actions were identified in all dimensions of the model: reduction in supply of dental care due to restricted access to elective services; search for biosafety care standards; dissemination of standardized science-based guidelines; attempt to maintain comprehensive dental assistance through re-adaptation of specialized services and collective actions; and relocation of oral health professionals to assist in other sectors. The oral health care management framework can serve as a reference for redesigning oral health actions and services in other municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a broader perspective.