Resumo

DUMONT, Adriana Fróis Santos et al. Rate of dental treatment needs: the case of the Xakriaba Indians. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2008, vol.13, n.3, pp. 1017-1022. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232008000300024.

The present study was developed among Xakriabas Indians in Minas Gerais and aimed at identifying their needs for dental treatment so that patients could be scheduled for treatment. Native health agents were trained by dental-surgeons for conducting the survey in household visits. The total Indian population is of 6.498 inhabitants, 3.686 of these living within the territory of the "Base Mata Fome", where 61% of the population was examined. Results showed that the population is mainly young, a great number of individuals presented no need for treatment and dental caries was the most frequent problem. The survey is expected to help in the organization of a schedule that allows giving priority to the more serious cases and promoting equity.

Palavras-chave : Xacriaba Indians; Dental treatment needs; Oral health services; Dentistry.