Changes in biosafety practices of Brazilian orthodontists after the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to assess the biosafety practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic that persisted in post-pandemic orthodontic clinical routines. In this cross-sectional study, 722 Brazilian orthodontists who were in the early phase of the pandemic, and 203 from the later phase, respectively, answered a 45-item questionnaire addressing basic personal information, use of personal protective equipment, biosafety protocols, and COVID-19 incidence. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Most participants were infected with the coronavirus (from 10.1% to 65%). While 52.4% perceived providing care as very risky during the pandemic, this perception shifted to decreased to a moderate level of risk in the late phase of the pandemic (40.4%). The use of protective face masks/face shields decreased from 51.7% to 25.1%, as well as the use of disposable coats (from 77.1% to 45.8%). Many orthodontists discontinued the use of PFF2/N95 masks and reverted to wearing surgical masks again. Most orthodontists disinfected orthodontic bands, and photographic retractors through manual washing and autoclaving. Most participants preferred to clean their orthodontic pliers with 70% alcohol. A decline in orthodontists' concern about biosafety during clinical appointments was observed in the late phase of the pandemic. Moreover, the need for greater specific care still persists, especially regarding the proper use of disposable coats, face shields, and surgical masks.