DOCUMENTAÇÃO ODONTOLÓGICA: CUIDADOS OBSERVADOS POR CIRURGIÕES-DENTISTAS ATUANTES NO MUNICÍPIO DE BAURU, SP, BRASIL.

Objective: To identify dental care observed by dentists regarding dental documentation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included dentists working in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. The sample was defined as "snowball". Data were collected remotely through a self-explanatory questionnaire between October and November 2022. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. Results: twenty-eight professionals participated. Sixty-one percent (n=17) reported that they recorded the breakage of dental accessories in the medical records, and 57% (n=16) did not ask the patient to sign the medical record when this happened. Eighty-two percent (n=23) reported poor oral hygiene. Seventy-five percent (n=21) requested the patient's signature authorizing its execution and 54% (n=15) reported having their own service contract model. Seventy-five percent (n=21) stored medication prescriptions and certificates. In the case of treatment abandonment, 54% (n=15) sent a communication to the patient. At the end of the treatment, 57% (n=16) stated that discharge was given in writing, whereas only 50% reported signing it (50%; n=14). Regarding guidance methods for improving oral hygiene, 46% (n=13) performed this verbally. Regarding the archiving of documentation after treatment, 50% (n=14) did it for the entire period of their professional activity. Regarding the request for periapical radiography for treatment control, 32% (n=9) underwent it only at the beginning of treatment. Regarding the means of communication at the end of treatment, 32% (n=9) used photographs, radiographs, and plaster models. Conclusion: parameters related to dental documentation were satisfactory. However, other practices must still be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]