Barriers faced by the transgender people in dental care: a narrative review

Abstract

In Brazil, despite the implementation of affirmative policies in the SUS that expand accessibility to the transgender population in public health, the challenges for universal access still persist. In addition, there are gaps in training in health and its professionals. The objective of this study was to analyze the barriers that transsexuals face in the Unified Health System (SUS) and reinforce the importance of professionals from the multidisciplinary team, including the dental surgeon, to adopt an empathetic and inclusive approach towards these people. A narrative review of the literature on the subject was carried out, including publications produced between 2013 and 2023. It is necessary to emphasize the prejudice and gender stigmas that the transsexual population suffers in accessing health services, including dentistry offered by the SUS. The lack of training, combined with the structure of rooted prejudices, makes empathetic and inclusive care difficult, facilitating the removal and embarrassment of these people. It is evident that there is a need for social reform to give visibility to the transgender public, integrating them in a universal, equitable and integral way, bringing them closer to the services offered by the SUS, guaranteeing health and quality of life.