Features of selective examinations for dentists in Brazil

Objetctive: The aim of this work was to analyze the features of selective examinations offered by City Councils, to work as dental practitioners at Health Centers and/or become part of the Dental Health Team of the Family Health Program, presenting the number of vacancies offered, salaries, hours of work as well as the content of the test applied. Methods: For this study, 272 examinations available on the internet were selected: 218 for general dental practitioners and 54 for the Family Health Program, offered by Municipalities in Brazil, in 2006. The number of vacancies offered, salary ranges, hours of work and content of the test applied were analyzed. Results: It was found that 1,205 (71%) vacancies were to work at the Health Centers and 486 (29%) at the Family Health Program. Furthermore, the salaries paid by 64% of City Councils were below the basic minimum for dentists. As regards the tests, these varied in content, but all required specific knowledge ranging from 3% to 97% of test subject matter. Conclusion: In 2006, there was a small number of vacancies offered for family health strategy; the salaries offered in most selective examinations were not attractive, which showed that a greater commitment by management, a higher investment in the National Health Service and appreciation of the workforce in these services is required with regard to consolidating the family health strategy. (AU) Objetivo: Analisar as caracteristicas dos concursos publicos ofertados por Prefeituras Municipais, ou seja, para atuarem nas unidades basicas de saude como clinico geral e/ou para integrar a Equipe de Saude Bucal da Estrategia Saude da Familia, apresentando o numero de vagas ofertadas, a faixa salarial, a carga horaria de trabalho bem como o conteudo das provas aplicadas. Metodos: Neste estudo foram selecionados 272 concursos disponiveis em meio eletronico, sendo 218 para cirurgiao-dentista clinico geral e 54 para a Estrategia Saude da Familia, ofertados pelas Prefeituras Municipais do Brasil. Foram analisados o numero de vagas ofertadas, faixa salarial, carga horaria de trabalho e conteudo das provas aplicadas. Resultados: Observou-se que 1.205 (71%) vagas eram para atuacao nas unidades basicas de saude e 486 (29%) para a Estrategia Saude da Familia. Verificou-se tambem que o salario pago por 64% das Prefeituras Municipais nao atingiu o piso salarial para cirurgiao-dentista. Em relacao as provas, o conteudo exigido foi variado, porem todas requereram conhecimento especifico que variou de 3% a 97% da constituicao das mesmas. Conclusao: No ano de 2006 houve uma pequena porcentagem das vagas ofertadas para cirurgiao-dentista para a Estrategia Saude da Familia, os salarios, na maioria dos concursos, nao eram atrativos, mostrando ser necessario um maior empenho dos gestores na consolidacao da Estrategia Saude da Familia e maior investimento e valorizacao para os trabalhadores do Sistema Unico de Saude. (AU)