Reflections about patient care and professional training in trans-inclusive Dentistry: challenges in the Brazilian scenario

Abstract

Background: The transgender population faces historical stigmatization and pathologization of their gender identities, which negatively impacts their access to dignified health care. Although the Brazilian public health system (SUS) advocates for free and universal care, systemic barriers still hinder the provision of dignified and comprehensive care to transgender persons. Objective: To briefly discuss the challenges of trans-inclusive dental practice, ranging from terminological updates to identifying gaps in applied technical and clinical competencies. Method: This critical reflection focused on the current landscape of dental education, clinical practice barriers, and the structural needs for providing adequate care to the transgender population. Results: The discussion highlights the urgent need to update dental education by revising higher education curricula and implementing continuing education programs. These educational strategies must prioritize comprehensive training on the unique characteristics of transgender people and address specific technical aspects of their oral health. Conclusion: Ensuring humane and technically sound dental care for transgender persons requires systemic educational reforms that equip professionals to overcome current clinical and terminological gaps.

KEYWORDS

Dental education; Dentistry; Humanization of assistance; Oral health; Transgender.