Dental care during the Covid-19 pandemic at the São Gonçalo Unit of the Social Service of Commerce, Rio de Janeiro (Sesc-RJ)
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Social Service of Commerce, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1533
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus was decreed by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. The Ministry of Health recommended maintaining only emergency dental care. In October 2020, a new ordinance guided the resumption of elective care. Dentistry at Sesc - RJ resumed services at the São Gonçalo Unit in July 2021. To report the experience of adapting the environment and training the oral health team at Sesc São Gonçalo - RJ, to carry out care safely for patients and professionals. Methods: Biosafety training courses were held for the team and specific protocols were established for assistance during the pandemic. Results: The care protocols were modified and, consequently, the number of patients was reduced. We have incorporated into our routine the measurement of the temperature of the team and patients, hand disinfection and the placement of a sanitizing mat at the entrance to the clinic. In addition to the PPE (personal protective equipment) already in use, such as a disposable cap, safety goggles, fabric lab coat and special shoes, we now use face shields, PFF2 or N95 masks, disposable lab coats and shoe covers, in the offices, the air conditioning remained off and the windows half-open. After the consultations, the surfaces were cleaned with quaternary ammonia. Conclusions: Biosafety training and protocols established during the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the safe resumption of care. Some changes proved to be positive and were maintained, such as extending the duration of consultations (which before the pandemic were 30 minutes, now to 1 hour) and the use of the N95 mask and face shield.