The aim of the present study was to investigate perceptions of transvestites about oral health and access to dental care services. This article is the result of a qualitative study conducted with transvestites who use the outpatient clinic of the Reference Center for Integral Trans-Specific Health Care of the hospital affiliated with the Federal University of Uberlândia and Center for Research and Trans Reception of the School of Dentistry of the same university. The results revealed precarious access to health services associated with prejudice. To relieve toothache, transvestites often seek allopathic self-medication or the insertion of drugs and sharp objects into the teeth and gums. The perceptions of the transvestites revealed gaps in the public health policy practiced by the public healthcare system, which should be based on the principles of integral, equitable care. Summary This article seeks to understand transvestites’ perceptions of oral health and access to dental care services. It is the result of qualitative research, carried out with transvestite users of the outpatient clinic of the Reference Center for Comprehensive Care for Transspecific Health, the Hospital de Clínicas and the Trans Research and Reception Center of the Faculty of Dentistry, of the Federal University of Uberlândia. The study revealed a situation of precarious access to health services, associated with prejudice. To alleviate toothache, transvestites seek allopathic or non-allopathic self-medication; alternatively, they call for the introduction of medicines and sharp objects into the teeth and gums. The transvestites’ perceptions revealed gaps in the public health policy in force in the Unified Health System, founded on principles of comprehensiveness and equity in care.