BIOSAFETY METHODS PRESENTED BY DENTISTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

In 2020, a pandemic of a virus called SARS-COV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, which is spread through contact with secretions of the oral, nasal and ocular mucosa, was declared to the world. The structures that contemplate the oral mucosa are the biggest workplace for dentists, which implies great risks of contamination for professionals, in addition to transforming the space of the dental office into a great propagator of viruses. This work aims to evaluate the biosafety methods used by dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to understand their implications regarding the effectiveness of these methods and how they led us to this flexibilization in biosecurity today. To carry out this work, a literature review was carried out through a bibliographical survey of selected articles from major journals of importance in dentistry, considering their relevance so that it is possible to understand the importance of biosafety methods used by dentists. during the pandemic. It was concluded that, in general, there was an increase in biosafety guidelines adopted by dentists during the pandemic, incorporating additional measures to reduce the risk of contagion in the dental environment and how some of these measures were perpetuated during time. Among the main changes are the intensification of the use of personal protective equipment, with the use of PFF2 or N95 masks and faceshield; as well as the suitability of the techniques used, with the reduction in the use of equipment and procedures that could increase the dispersion of aerosols. The effectiveness of adequate follow-up of biosafety protocols in preventing contagion was highlighted, and the importance of constant updating and international standardization of these guidelines.