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Objective The aim of this study was to verify the practices and attitudes of senior dental students about infection control procedures. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed during the 1st semester of 2003. Open- and close-ended questions were given to 196 students in 6 universities. Results Overall, 90.8% of students had been vaccinated for hepatitis B. Only 25.0% have been assessed for anti-HBs. A total of 99.5% students reported always using gloves for all procedures. Eye protection were always used by 84.2% of students, and all the students used face masks for all procedures. Caps or hair covers were used by 92.3% of students and 87.8% reported no objection to treating patients with infectious diseases. Among instructors, the students observed that 60.2% of them did not use gloves for all procedures, 43.4% of those didn't change gloves between patients. Conclusions These results address the need for an improved quality assurance, in order for the students and faculty to improve their practices and attitudes on infection control measures.