The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to describe the surveillance and biosafety measures adopted by dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants who worked in the Southern Region of Brazil and (2) to evaluate access to information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a multicenter and cross-sectional design, using a self-applied and validated online questionnaire. The availability of health-care-related supplies and the adoption of biosafety measures recommended by the Technical Note of the National Health Surveillance Agency No. 04/2020 were analyzed. A total of 2560 Brazilian workers participated (75.8% dentists, 15.7% dental assistants and 8.5% dental hygienists), 52.7% from the public and 37.7% from the private sector. Approximately 70% of the individuals reported being away from work during the pandemic. The surveillance measures adopted with higher mean scores were the investigation of respiratory infection symptoms when scheduling appointments and the adoption of distancing in the waiting room. Of the biosafety measures to avoid aerosols, the procedures with lower compliance were those related to the use of intraoral radiographs and rubber dams. Moreover, the correct use of personal protective equipment at work seems to be related to self-perceived stress and anxiety. Worryingly, high access to information through non-governmental documents was observed. Permanent health education policies should reinforce safe practices and encourage workers to implement biosafety and surveillance measures in health services.
Aim: To investigate surveillance, biosafety, and education strategies of Brazilian oral health care workers (OHCWs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study covering OHCWs from a single multicenter research centre. A self-administered and validated online questionnaire was used for data collection, including the following variables: sociodemographic, medical history, biosafety, professional experience, surveillance, and education. Results: The sample consisted of 644 OHCWs (82.5% dentists, 13.2% dental assistants and 4.3% technicians), most without comorbidities (84.8%), from the public (51.7%) and private (48.3%) health systems, in 140 cities of a southern state. The most prominent measures of surveillance were waiting room distancing and visual alerts, symptom assessment, and availability of guidelines on COVID-19. Regarding biosafety measures, the lowest adherence was related to intraoral radiographs (2.7±1.4; 95%CI: 2.6–2.9), use of dental dams (2.1±1.4; 95%CI: 2.0–2.2), and availability of high-power suction systems (2.5±1.7; 95%CI: 2.3–2.6). Among OHCWs, 52.6% received guidance on measures to take during dental care in the workplace. Continuing education was mainly through documents from non-governmental health authorities (77.4%). Conclusion: Surveillance and biosafety measures were adopted, but activities that reduce the spread of aerosols had less adherence. These findings underscore the importance of considering dental practices, and surveillance and education strategies to formulate policies and relevant support to address health system challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. A coordinated action of permanent education by policymakers is necessary.
A pandemia de COVID-19 trouxe mudanças importantes para a prática odontológica. Repensar os processos de trabalho em saúde bucal, olhando para as fragilidades e potencialidades do trabalho em equipe, parecem ser os novos desafios para uma geração de profissionais que se viu frente às incertezas, às imperativas necessidades de mudança e convocados a reconstruir as relações de trabalho, de cuidado e de compromisso com a sociedade. Neste contexto, se desenvolveu o projeto de pesquisa multicêntrico ‘Biossegurança em Odontologia para o enfrentamento da COVID-19: análise das práticas e formulação de estratégias’ (CAAE 31720920.5.2002.5530/Parecer de aprovação por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa nº 4.071.063). Obteve-se 644 questionários respondidos por cirurgiões-dentistas, auxiliares e técnicos em saúde bucal. Foi possível identificar e comparar práticas e mudanças ocorridas, podendo traçar um paralelo entre as práticas de saúde bucal nos setores público e privado. De forma geral, os profissionais responderam que tiveram acesso às notas técnicas, orientações e recomendações do Ministério da Saúde, secretarias de saúde e conselhos de Odontologia. Os trabalhadores que atuam no serviço público foram mais testados para a COVID-19 do que os do setor privado. Também suspenderam os atendimentos eletivos e se afastaram das atividades profissionais em maior proporção do que os vinculados ao setor privado. O uso de ferramentas digitais para o exercício da Odontologia a distância (Teleodontologia) ainda é incipiente, sobretudo no serviço público. Verificou-se a presença de novos arranjos nas equipes de saúde bucal em um trabalho multiprofissional junto aos demais profissionais na atenção à saúde, ressignificando o papel das equipes de saúde bucal no setor público.Palavras-chave: Biossegurança. Odontologia. Processos de trabalho. Saúde bucal. COVID-19.
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