AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DE CIRURGIÕES-DENTISTAS QUANTO AO TRATAMENTO ODONTOLÓGICO EM USUÁRIOS DE ANTICOAGULANTES ORAIS

Abstract

Introduction: Oral anticoagulants are used as medicine that aims, among other effects, to prevent thromboembolic events in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. There is an increasing number of individuals who require dental treatment and use of anticoagulants; thus, it is essential to know, on the part of the dental surgeon, about the implications and appropriate therapeutic approaches in dental treatment for these individuals. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of dental surgeons about dental treatment in users of oral anticoagulants, in order to identify their knowledge about appropriate dental and clinical surgical procedures in the care of these individuals. Material and Methods: Data-collecting for study was carried n out from the application of an online questionnaire that was sent through social media and email, and its public target was dental surgeons with active license from Federal Board of Dentistry/Regional Board of Dentistry. Study sample consisted of 173 participants. Data were analyzed using R software (4.1.2 version), which performed a descriptive analysis (absolute/relative frequency) in order to identify general and specific characteristics of the sample. Results: A total of 82.7% participants state that already carried out some kind of surgical procedure in their clinical routine and state that feel prepared to attend oral anticoagulants users, besides claiming that have confidence regarding anaesthetics to be administered and state that know which drugs must be prescribed, however state that frequency of attendance to individuals with this profile is rare. With regard to the definition of therapeutic conduct, majority of sample showed assertive answer but expressed limited knowledge about laboratory tests to be requested as well as about systemic conditions of patients that need oral anticoagulants. Regarding the occurrence of bleeding episode and adopted measures to control bleeding, 54,3% of participants stated that there were never cases of hemorrhage, for which they suggested gauze compress and local hemostatic agents as the main control measures; it is important to report that 1.2% mentioned the need to refer the individual to another level of care. Conclusion: From the results obtained in the study, it appears that more actions are needed to disseminate qualified and assertive information during the process of academic training and continuing education in relation to the approach in dental care for patients that are using anticoagulants in order to ensure integrity of care process, since dentists are indispensable agents in this process, which occurs in joint action with multidisciplinary teams at all levels of health care.