Studies about infectious-contagious diseases have stimulated the development of research on occupational injuries and biosafety among health care workers in different countries. In Brazil, there are few studies highlighting this topic in Dentistry. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of needlestick and sharp injuries, and the post-exposure prophylactic measures in two Dentistry schools in Recife, state of Pernambuco, in Brazil. The sample was composed of 300 students randomly chosen at the professional stage of the course, who were interviewed by one of the researchers. The prevalence of the students who had had accidents was 25.3%. Among these, 34.2% informed they were oriented by teachers to take prophylactic measures. The majority (73.7%) affirmed having only washed the wound with soap and water. Only 13.2% sought medical service specialized in occupational injuries. However, 88.7% classified their knowledge on post-exposure prophylactic measures as regular or good. The authors concluded that still a high percentage of students experienced sharp and needlestick injuries, with potential risk of biological contamination. It is, therefore, necessary to enhance the compliance to prophylactic measures in order to minimize such circumstances, which are harmful to the health of those involved in Dentistry Care.
students; dental, biosafety; occupational injuries
