Abstract

Introduction: Dental prosthetic rehabilitation constitutes a fundamental element for quality of life, particularly among vulnerable populations. In resource-limited settings, guaranteeing these right faces multidimensional challenges requiring integrated analysis from scientific and social perspectives.
Objective: This study aims to describe the complex scientific and social challenges in prosthetic rehabilitation provision within the Cuban system, while documenting the resilience strategies developed to sustain equitable access to these essential services.
Development: The scientific dimension presents significant challenges due to shortages of advanced materials like zirconia or titanium, coupled with limitations in cutting-edge digital technologies such as CAD/CAM systems. This scarcity notably restricts available therapeutic options. Although promising research exists on local biomaterials like synthetic hydroxyapatite, innovation processes are hindered by difficulties in accessing updated international scientific literature. Concurrently, social challenges include prolonged waiting lists (often extending for years), uneven geographical coverage with marked disadvantages in rural areas, and migration of qualified technical personnel. These barriers disproportionately impact vulnerable groups-especially older adults-compromising masticatory function, nutritional status, mental health, and social inclusion. Faced with this scenario, resilience strategies have prioritized low-cost removable prostheses, utilized validated national biomaterials, strengthened prosthetic workshops in community polyclinics, and established cooperative alliances with universities and non-governmental organizations.
Conclusion: Prosthetic rehabilitation must be consolidated as a social right through policies integrating local innovation, sustainable professional training, and unrestricted international cooperation. There is urgent need to systematically document the human impact of untreated tooth loss and optimize existing resources through evidence-based strategies.

Keywords:Dental prosthetic rehabilitation; Oral health equity; Oral health in vulnerable populations; Innovation in resource-limited contexts; Health system resilience