A importância da atuação do cirurgião dentista na unidade de terapia intensiva

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a critical environment that requires specialized multidisciplinary care. However, the absence of a dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team compromises the oral health of hospitalized patients,

increasing the risk of severe systemic infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and bacterial endocarditis. The literature indicates that the inclusion of this professional can reduce complications, hospitalization time, and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the importance of the dental surgeon's role in the Intensive Care Unit, highlighting their contribution to reducing infectious complications and improving the quality of life of hospitalized patients. METHODOLOGY: This study consists of a literature review with a descriptive and qualitative approach. The research was conducted in scientific databases, including the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Scielo, Lilacs, and Google Scholar, using descriptors related to the dental surgeon's role in the ICU. RESULTS: The literature review demonstrated that the presence of a dental surgeon in the ICU significantly reduces the incidence of nosocomial infections, improves the effectiveness of oral hygiene protocols, and shortens the hospitalization time of critically ill patients. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The role of the dental surgeon in the ICU is essential for promoting oral health and preventing hospital infections. The inclusion of this professional in the multidisciplinary team contributes to reducing morbidity and mortality and optimizes clinical outcomes for hospitalized patients.