Study contributions
Main results	The use of dental services and health care visits aimed at seeking medicines, either through public services or through the Brazilian Popular Pharmacy Program, was more frequent for people living in the North and Northeast regions, and among individuals with low level of education.
Implications for services	To help health managers to guide health policies, according to the needs of each region, in addition to providing access and availability, and also make the services offered by the Brazilian National Health System more effective.
Perspectives	It is expected that health indicators of the Brazilian population will present a reduction in the iniquity in access to and use of health services.