Dental care in Indigenous communities: performance and experiences of oral health professionals

Abstract

Objective: To analyze recent scientific literature on the performance, training, and experiences of oral health professionals providing care to Indigenous communities, with an emphasis on facilitating factors, structural barriers, and implemented intercultural strategies. Methods: The systematic review was conducted through searches in scientific databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, PubMed), using MeSH and DeCS descriptors combined with Boolean operators. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies published between 2018 and 2025 were included. Systematic reviewsNon‑traditional publications, and studies without direct participation of health professionals were excluded. After screening, 11 articles were selected.Results: The studies included experiences from Canada, the United States, Chile, Venezuela, El Salvador, Brazil, and Australia. Findings were grouped into six categories: professional experiences, structural barriers, intercultural competencies, job satisfaction, community participation, and improvement proposals. The main barriers identified were limited training in cultural competencies, high staff turnover, geographic and linguistic difficulties, and weak institutional coordination. Good practices were also highlighted, such as collaboration with Indigenous health promoters and the cultural adaptation of interventions. Conclusion: It is imperative to redesign dental care models by integrating an approach centered on rights, equity, and the full participation of Indigenous peoples.