[Characterization of the work process by oral health teams in municipalities in Pernambuco State, Brazil, according to population size: from community links to organization of clinical care].

This study aimed to analyze the work process in oral health teams in Pernambuco State, Brazil, according to population size in the various municipalities (counties), focusing on the relationship with the community and organization of clinical care. Structured questionnaires were applied to 121 oral health teams in 29 cities. The chi-square test was used to verify the association between the actions and the municipalities' population size. In the integration of the oral health teams with the community, there was a greater focus on schools (81.2%), while integration with churches (p = 0.000) and daycare centers (p = 0.000) was associated with larger municipalities. Organization of clinical care showed attention to priority groups (82.3%), while dental visits were still largely scheduled by spontaneous demand, especially in the smaller municipalities. It is thus necessary to invest in continuing education to adjust the work processes by the team and reduce the differences between practices in the various municipalities in Pernambuco State.