Abstract
This study aims to investigate epidemiologic aspects of edentulism, health care network, and prosthodontic production by the Brazilian Unified Health System. Data sets
were taken from the following sources: 2010 Brazilian National Oral Health Survey (SBB10), Specialized Dental Care Centers (SDCCs), Regional Dental Prosthesis Laboratories (RDPLs), and
prosthodontic treatment productivity by the public health system. Spatial analysis and descriptive and correlational statistics were performed. The prevalence of tooth loss was high, especially
among women, elderly, individuals with low educational level and family income, and in the North region. Prosthetic needs were higher in the North and Northeast regions. The number of
SDCCs by city was correlated with population size (p<0.001; r=0.473), local Human Development Index (p<0.001; r=0.165) and number of Oral Health Teams (p<0.001; r=0.403). Laboratory and ambulatory productions were higher in the Southeast, South and Northeast regions. Despite the
advances obtained with the Brazilian National Oral Health Policy, edentulism remains with high prevalence, prosthodontic treatment needs, and inequalities in service provision.
