OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the epidemiology of percutaneous occupational exposure to biologic fluids and the level of compliance with some recommendations contained in the 'Standard Precautions' among dentists.

SETTING

Sertãozinho city, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

All dentists who were currently working in public or private offices in the study city, and who agreed to participate, resulting in a study population of 135 dentists.

METHODS

All participants were personally interviewed from August 2001 to April 2002.

RESULTS

Of the dentists interviewed, 31.1% reported accidents, with a mean incidence of 2.02 accidents/professional/year; 90.0% recapped needles after using them, while 8.1% re-used gloves. Injuries involved the hands and the item most frequently mentioned was a needle. Inadequate procedures were observed regarding the disposal of sharp devices and hand hygiene.

CONCLUSIONS

Dentists evaluated do not properly obey the norms for infection control during their clinical activities, with consequent risks for their own and their patients' health. Measures must be adopted by class institutions, universities, public agencies, and especially by these professionals in order to reverse this situation.