Biosafety applied to Dentistry at the Universidade Federal do Pará, in the City of Belém, Pará State, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and application of biosafety standards among Dentistry students at the Universidade Federal do Pará, in order to verify differences between two different moments of professional formation and correct deficiencies. This is a longitudinal study, in which a questionnaire was used, consisting of 17 objective questions, applied to the students in two moments: after their first semester of clinical practice and after the course conclusion. In the first sample, 35 students were surveyed and 30 in the second. By the end of the course, 100% of the students said they were well informed about biosafety; the most applied disinfection process occurred in handpieces; and the most used sterilization method was the autoclave; during the course, the use of double gloves increased, however the most neglected personal protective equipment were special glasses, enclosed shoes and shoe cover. Most of the students were unaware of the flow of care for needlestick accidents, although 30% of them have had this experience during the graduation course. Biosafety education and students awareness are fundamental regarding the adoption of correct habits to control the cross-infection since graduation and, eventually, as dentists.