[Dental treatment of pregnant women: the role of healthcare professionals]

The scope of this article involved qualitative research conducted together with pregnant women attended by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and private services, seeking to identify the perception of these women on the role of health professionals in relation to dental care during pregnancy. The data were collected through recorded, semi-structured interviews based on a questionnaire and analyzed by assessment of thematic content. It was noted that some health professionals propagate and reinforce misconceptions and fears about dental care and oral health during pregnancy. The need for investment in education on dental care during pregnancy, both at undergraduate and graduate level, was clearly revealed, since knowledge on the subject can contribute to a review of concepts, and consequently the manifest behavior vis-à-vis this segment of the population.