Assessing the potential effectiveness of oral health promotion strategies in primary health care in Brazil

•Our results showed significant differences in oral heath promotion amongst distinct Brazilian regions.•The highest scores were seen in the richest Southeastern and Southern regions where health promotion strategies were followed.•The lowest scores were seen in the Central-Western and Northern regions, which are much poorer regions.•These findings indicate that promoting equity through our National health policies is important to provide equal access to health for everyone.