ACS Connect: aplicativo de apoio odontológico para agentes comunitários de saúde

Abstract

Healthy dental care habits are an excellent way to promote quality of life and well-being. However, a significant portion of the population still suffers from oral problems due to a lack of proper care or poor oral hygiene practices. To combat this issue, the Brazilian government has implemented policies, such as Brazil Sorridente, aimed at encouraging patients to stay engaged in oral self-care. However, obstacles such as low demand and the distance from healthcare facilities create a disconnect between the public network and society. This situation is exacerbated in rural areas, where conditions are more precarious, contributing to the emergence of severe cases of oral diseases in rural communities. In response to frequent complaints of dental pain reported by children living in the rural area of Nova Xavantina, MT, a technological solution was developed to help address this problem. This solution is an application called ACS Connect, which assists Community Health Agents in the region with clinical images of dental issues, enabling professionals to guide residents on healthy oral care habits during their visits. The application was developed for the Android system using Kotlin programming language, integrated with Firebase and SQLite services. Its functionalities operate both offline and online, sending geolocation data from health agents while on duty. The system has been made available to professionals, who reported a positive reception from residents, who showed greater attention to the supporting material.