Conhecimentos dos professores e alunos da UNIMONTES sobre protocolo e condutas recomendadas frentes a acidentes com risco de contaminação

Dental professionals are subject to suffering needlestick injuries during their work, with the risk of being contaminated and contract infecto-contagious diseases due to the fact that they are in constant contact with possibly contaminated blood, other fluids and human tissues. The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge held by professors and students from the Dentistry course given at Unimontes University (Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil) on the recommended conducts in case of accidents with the risk of contamination during dental care procedures. Data were collected using a questionnaire elaborated by the researchers. A total of 23 professors and 88 students working in clinical disciplines participated in this research. Hepatitis was reported as the disease with the highest probability of contamination during dental attendance by 100% of professors and 97.73% of students. When questioned about the correct conduct in case of accident with risk of contamination, 21.74% of the professors and none of the students answered completely correctly. Answers considered partially correct were given by 52.17% of professors and 52.27% of students. Answers considered completely wrong were given by 47.73% of students and 26.09% of professors. It was concluded that most of the participants are aware of the risks of contamination during their work, but that they are unaware of the correct protocol to be followed in case of needlestick injuries. A training program and follow-up are thus required during all clinical activities.