Avaliação das condições das pontas diamantadas utilizadas por graduandos de Odontologia.

Abstract

Background: Diamond tips are routinely used in clinical practice, but many undergraduates neglect to maintain these instruments. Objective: investigate the conditions of diamond tips used by dental academics. Method: The first step was the application of questionnaires (n = 98), in order to evaluate the characteristics of use, storage, sterilization and conditions of the diamond tips. At the second stage, three students from each period were randomly chosen, their instruments were collected and replaced. The collected instruments were analyzed in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The answers of the questionnaires were submitted to statistical analysis (SPSS 23), frequency calculations were performed, as well as the chisquare test (p≤0.05) in order to associate the variables evaluated. Results: the questionnaire shows that 44.9% used individual packaging; 27.6% used for an interval of 1 to 2 years; 87.8% used 1 to 2x per week; 66.3% affirmed that they were not the same as those of the preclinic, 70.4% used dental care; 73.5% used water, soap and brush for washing; 45.9% used procedure gloves, cap, mask and lab coat; 51% used air syringe for drying; 39.8% did not disinfect; 100% used an autoclave; 87.8% reported good conditions of use; 59.2% have already changed their instruments and 81.6% agree with the self-use. There was no association between the studied variables and in the images of the SEM it is possible to observe varying degrees of wear. Conclusion: more stringent protocols and guidelines regarding the use and maintenance of diamond tips are needed to ensure adequate conditions for patients to perform treatments.