REGULATION OF QUEUES IN SECONDARY CARE IN DENTISTRY IN BRAZIL AND THE ROLE OF THE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The electronic medical record (EP) plays a crucial role in regulating the queues in secondary care in dentistry in Brazil. Secondary care is represented by the Dental Specialty Centers (CEO) which aim to expand access to specialized services, such as oral cancer diagnosis, endodontics, periodontics, minor oral surgery and care for people with special needs. This paper aims to analyze the management of queues in secondary care in dentistry in Brazil, highlighting the role of the electronic medical record as an essential instrument to improve the administration of access to specialized services and ensure continuity of care within the scope of the Unified Health System (SUS). For the analysis, a literature review was carried out in databases such as Pubmed/Medline, Google Scholar, VHL, and Scielo, considering studies published in the last 10 years (2014-2024). Only articles available in full and in Portuguese were included, in addition to official data from the Ministry of Health. The implementation of electronic medical records has the potential to improve demand management, improving communication between levels of care and ensuring continuity of care. However, there are some challenges to be faced in the implementation of this system, such as resistance from professionals, lack of training, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite this, digital integration is seen as a promising tool to optimize workflow and reduce queues and promote better patient care.