BIOSAFETY KNOWLEDGE, ACTIONS AND MEASURES OF BRAZILIAN DENTISTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to biosafety measures, prevention and control by DCs during the pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire consisting of 42 questions was disseminated to the CDs operating in Brazil through social networks and also to the 27 Regional Councils of Dentistry in the country via e-mail. The collection period was from June 26 to July 2, 2020. Results: 751 CDs answered the questionnaire, of these, 54.9% undertook training in preventing and controlling the spread of the virus and the scientific article was the main means of information (44.5%). Regarding biosafety in dental care, 95.9% reported having knowledge of ANVISA's rules on the subject, however, regarding attitudes and practices, there was a failure to comply with the recommendations. Link between professional performance and training or not, were factors associated with greater knowledge and correct biosafety attitudes and practices. Conclusion: Although the Brazilian CDs have good levels of knowledge about biosafety measures for the prevention of COVID-19, they still fail to comply with basic attitudes and recommended practices.