Resumo

PEREIRA, Keila Cristina Rausch et al. Health service waste: knowledge on the generation and responsibility of trainees in dentistry of Santa Catarina faculties. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2015, vol.51, n.2, pp. 88-95. ISSN 1516-0939.

ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the knowledge of dental students regarding Health Service Waste (HSW). Methods: This is cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The defined realm was of all final year dental schools students from state colleges in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The sample calculation was determined in 198 students. The collected data were entered into Excel 2010 (Microsoft), and the results were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Although there are eight dentistry colleges in the state of Santa Catarina, two refused to participate in the study and one did not have final year class. This study counted on the participation of 138 (73.0%) dental students. Among the participants, 92.2% reported that they knew what health service wastes were. Regarding how to dispose of these wastes, 76.8% reported being aware of the correct disposal of dental amalgam, 77.5% of sodium hypochlorite, 82.6% of the liquids used in the processing of radiographs, 95.7% of perforating-cutting materials, 20.3% of radiographic film wrappers, 68.1% of the disposal of Personal Protective Equipment, 77.5% of prescription papers, and 33.3% of plaster waste. Regarding packaging, 83.3% reported knowing how to proceed with the proper disposal of residual mercury and 95.7% with the residual liquid from developers and fixers. As for the existing laws for health professionals, dentists, and dental offices, knowledge of academians proved to be inadequate on the subject. Conclusion: Although the final year dental students in Santa Catarina knew about what it is and how they should package and dispose of HSW, knowledge was unsatisfactory as regards the applicable Brazilian laws on the subject, requiring greater attention during academic education.

Palavras-chave : Waste management.; Dental waste.; Medical waste..