Biossegurança no Atendimento Odontológico Pós Pandemia na Amazônia

Desafios e Perspectivas Regionais

Abstract

Dental practices saw significant changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a careful examination and reinforcement of biosafety procedures. SARS-CoV-2's high transmissibility necessitated the adoption of additional protective measures, including increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), physical barriers, aerosol control, rearranging patient flow, and heightened disinfection and sterilization procedures. Based on a bibliographic and documentary review, this exploratory and qualitative study sought to examine the perspectives and difficulties surrounding biosafety in post-pandemic dental care, with a focus on the unique circumstances of the Amazon region. Between 2020 and 2025, official documents from public health and dental regulatory bodies were consulted, along with national and international scientific databases. The findings show that major challenges still exist in the Amazon, especially those pertaining to inadequate infrastructure, supply logistics, and disparities in access to oral health care, even in the face of progress in fostering a preventive culture and implementing innovations like teledentistry. While riverbank and indigenous communities continue to face geographic obstacles and a lack of basic resources, university clinics and public health services had to pay a lot of money to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) and adapt facilities. It is concluded that integrating biosafety in the post-pandemic context requires an ethical and social commitment that encompasses ongoing education, public investments, and inclusive policies that can adapt to local realities, in addition to technical standard compliance.

Key words: Amazon; biosafety; COVID-19; dentistry; public health.