ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To verify the perception of orthodontists and pediatric dentists from Belo Horizonte and Itabira concerning adhesion to speech therapy. METHODS: A transversal study was carried out by using a questionnaire with 30 orthodontists and 30 pediatric dentists, half from each city. Statistical analysis used the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The entire group of professional considered speech therapy important and reported to frequently refer their patients to this practice. From the sample, 58.3% of the professionals reported that their patients sometimes need speech therapy; 46.7% informed that sometimes patients also look for a speech therapist, and 70.0% have a trustworthy speech therapist to whom they usually refer patients to. It was verified that 85% of the sample informed that they do not work with speech therapists in the same work environment, and 85% believe that sharing the same space would increase the adhesion to therapy. To 75%, the patients' referral is usually carried out after the evaluation, and 83.3% informed that patients do not look for treatment due to lack of time, although 86.7% affirmed that patients with good financial condition usually do adhere to speech therapy. The referrals are usually made for the same reason, except in cases regarding malocclusions. In the other questions, no differences were found between pediatric dentists and orthodontists or between cities. CONCLUSION: The professionals interviewed deal with a trustworthy speech therapist and judge that sharing the same work environment is important to increase patients' adhesion to treatment. The patients' referrals are usually made right after the odontological evaluation, and lack of time is the main reason why they do not look for a speech therapist, although patients with good financial situation easily adhere to treatment. Referrals are usually made because of the same reasons.
Speech therapy; Job market; Orthodontics; Pediatric dentistry; Questionnaires
