The aim of this study was to analyze the work process developed by the oral health teams of the VI Sanitary District of Recife, Pernambuco State, in 2006. It is a descriptive study of qualitative approach in that secondary data were obtained of a previous research accomplished in Recife, where the Sanitary District VI is located. Four semi-structured interviews were accomplished with the oral health coordinator, two surgeon-dentists and a nurse that acted in the Family Health Strategy. The results showed that some practices accomplished by the teams are still incipient such as the epidemic survey, patient reference and counter reference, and the control and evaluation of the actions. However, the progress in the preventive vision and in education practice in the professional health became evidenced through the interviews. In conclusion, in spite of the difficulties for the execution of the practices established by the National Policies of Oral Health, it is noticed a change in the attention model in oral health, being necessary some adjustments and corrections in the activity of the teams, besides a larger participation of other administration levels for the full exercise of oral health in the Family Health Strategy.
Oral health; Dental health services; Family Health Program