Medidas de bio-segurança durante pandemia de Covid-19: novos protocolos e a relação entre conhecimento, medo e ansiedade em acadêmicos de odontologia e cirurgiões dentistas

Abstract

The years 2020 and 2021 were marked around the world by the pandemic of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Challenging moment, especially for the health area, which had to face reinventing itself in the face of imposed situations, redoubling its care and improving its arsenal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In this scenario, the dentist (DC) stands out, acting directly with the patient's saliva where this virus can be found. We sought to develop simplified general dental clinical protocols aimed at some dental specialties, in order to facilitate the routine and bring security to care during and post pandemic in the office/private clinic. Also, measure the knowledge of dental academics and CDs about biosafety in the dental office and the new guidelines for care during the pandemic, and their feelings about the pandemic and dental care. As for the methodological procedures, the protocols gathered information from guides and articles published in 2020 and 2021. The questionnaire had 21 questions on knowledge of biosafety during the pandemic and 8 on fear and anxiety. This was based on the questionnaire used in the work by Ahmed et al. (2020), with the addition of some questions based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization. The research took place in 2 phases, the first being applied to dentistry students from Ponta Grossa (CESCAGE, UEPG and UniCesumar) and DCs working in that city. In the second phase, this same questionnaire was applied again to UEPG academics after receiving training from their institution. As a result, a general protocol was drawn up with the particularities of biosafety for the environment, staff, patients and procedures, in addition to protocols aimed at some dental specialties. In addition, through the questionnaire, it could be verified that the majority of participants showed knowledge of the new guidelines for dental care, especially females, aged 25 years or less and academics. Among professionals, those from the public sector stood out positively in relation to those from the private sector. In general, participants showed fear and anxiety about dental care during the pandemic. Regarding the training received by UEPG academics, this proved to be effective, increasing their knowledge and/or awareness of the necessary measures to prevent contamination by SARS-CoV-2. Although the training reflected in significant differences in knowledge, it did not change the fear and anxiety in view of the assistance in the pandemic. It can be concluded that simplified and precise protocols, mainly aimed at dental specialties, are necessary and contribute a lot to the routine of the DC who works in a private practice/clinic, constantly requiring their revision and updating. Regarding the questionnaire applied, despite the vast majority of respondents being aware of the necessary care at a time of pandemic, many do not follow the proposed guidelines. It was found that the training received by students at their institution increased their knowledge and awareness, showing that it is important that care is always emphasized and reviewed.