PERCEPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING NEW DENTAL PRACTICES, CONDUCTS AND PROTOCOLS IN AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF THE SANTA CASA DE CARIDADE DE DIAMANTINA - MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate, through the perception of health professionals inserted in the multiprofessional team of the Intensive Care Center (ICU) of Santa Casa de Caridade (SCC) of Diamantina - MG, the importance of implementing conducts, new practices and protocols of oral hygiene, carried out by dental residents. Methodology: A semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire was used, which was applied to all health professionals who work in the multiprofessional team of the ICU. Results: The response rate was 75% (n = 66). Although 70% of the participants reported that the oral hygiene of patients admitted to the ICU was performed by the nursing technicians before the inclusion of the residents, there was a difference in the frequency of oral hygiene, as well as the materials used to perform it, when compared to the present day. Regarding the training of professionals, on how to proceed with hygiene and its importance, it was observed that it did not happen before, and that nowadays, it has been possible to cover 93.4% of the responsible team. More than 95% of the research subjects agreed that the presence of the dental surgeon as part of the ICU team contributed both to the construction of the diagnosis and clinical conduct (n = 60 – 95.2%), as well as brought innovation to the care of patients in the ICU (n = 62 – 95.4%). Conclusion: The presence of dental residents in the ICU team was of paramount importance for the implementation of clinical protocols aimed at both prevention and recovery of oral health and for the training of professionals.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.001-015