Frequently Asked Questions — Dentistry
We have gathered the main questions from dentists, assistants, and clinic managers about specialties, biosafety, regulatory standards, materials, prosthetics, pediatric dentistry, and practice management.
Specialties and Clinical Practice
What is the difference between a general dentist and a dental specialist?
A general dentist is the initial reference professional — performing diagnosis, prevention, and basic procedures. A specialist has additional training in a specific area recognized by the CFO (Federal Dental Council), such as endodontics, implantology, or orthodontics, and works on more complex cases.
What dental specialties are recognized by the CFO?
The CFO currently recognizes 22 specialties, including: General Practice, Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontics, Implantology, Dental Prosthetics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology, Stomatology, Dental Radiology, Occupational Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry, among others.
Which bur to use for each type of procedure?
Diamond burs are used for enamel and dentin reduction, finishing, and cavity preparation. Carbide burs (multi-bladed) are ideal for caries removal, restoration finishing, and polishing. The grit (coarse, medium, fine, extra-fine) defines the aggressiveness of the cut.
What is the best glove for dental procedures: latex, nitrile, or vinyl?
Nitrile gloves are currently the most recommended — they offer greater resistance to chemical products (such as sodium hypochlorite and phosphoric acid), do not cause latex allergic reactions, and have excellent tactile sensitivity. Latex gloves are still used in surgeries for their elasticity. Vinyl is indicated for lower-risk procedures without blood contact.
When should an N95 mask be used in the clinic?
The N95 (PFF2) is recommended for procedures that generate aerosols (use of high-speed handpiece, ultrasound, bicarbonate jet) or when there is an increased risk of airborne transmission. For routine appointments without aerosol generation, a triple-layer surgical mask is sufficient.
Biosafety and Sterilization
What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?
Cleaning removes visible debris; disinfection reduces or eliminates most microorganisms; and sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores. Critical instruments (that penetrate tissues) require mandatory sterilization.
Does all material need to be sterilized?
No. Only items classified as critical require mandatory sterilization. Semi-critical items may require high-level disinfection, while non-critical materials usually undergo low or intermediate-level cleaning and disinfection — according to Spaulding's classification and RDC 15/2012.
How often should dental instruments be sterilized?
All instruments that come into contact with mucosa, blood, or saliva must be sterilized after each use. The standard protocol includes: cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner → rinsing → drying → packaging in a heat-sealed pouch → sterilization in an autoclave → storage in a dry and protected place.
How to monitor autoclave effectiveness?
Through three types of indicators: chemical (tapes and packaging that change color), biological (Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores — gold standard), and mechanical (reading of temperature, pressure, and time parameters on the panel). Biological monitoring must be performed periodically according to RDC 15/2012.
What are Donning and Doffing?
Donning is the standardized technique for putting on PPE, such as disposable gloves. Doffing is the safe removal technique. Both are part of the Standard Precautions recommended by ANVISA, WHO, and CDC for preventing cross-contamination.
Why is glove removal considered the most critical step?
Because the external surface of the glove accumulates microorganisms during patient care. If this surface touches the professional's skin during removal, self-contamination occurs — nullifying the protection the glove should offer.
Do I need to sanitize my hands even if I'm wearing gloves?
Yes. Hand hygiene should be performed before putting on and immediately after taking off gloves. Small perforations and microfissures can go unnoticed, and contamination can occur during removal.
What is the Glove-in-Glove technique?
It is the international method of glove removal where the first glove removed remains enclosed by the second, keeping all contaminated surfaces confined inside. It reduces skin contact with the outer surface and limits the dispersion of microorganisms into the environment.
Can I reuse disposable gloves between patients?
No. Disposable gloves must be used only once and discarded immediately after the procedure, as determined by ANVISA. Reuse compromises barrier integrity and increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Regulatory Standards and Documentation
What is the difference between CFO and CRO?
The CFO is the federal body that regulates professional practice at the national level — it issues resolutions, defines specialties, and establishes the Code of Ethics. CROs are the state councils responsible for professional registration, clinic inspection, and ethical processes in each state.
What is RDC 15/2012 and why is it important?
RDC 15/2012 establishes the requirements for good practices in the processing of health products — cleaning, inspection, packaging, sterilization, and storage. It is the reference standard for Material and Sterilization Centers (CME) and must be followed by every dental practice.
What happens if the clinic is inspected without a Sanitary Permit?
The Sanitary Surveillance can immediately interdict the establishment, apply fines, and notify the CRO. In serious cases, the professional may be held responsible for illegal practice and harm to public health. The Sanitary Permit must be renewed periodically as required by the municipality.
What should be included in the HCWM Plan (PGRSS) of a dental clinic?
The Healthcare Waste Management Plan (PGRSS) must cover the classification of generated waste (biological, chemical, sharps, common), the procedures for segregation, conditioning, collection, transport, and final disposal, according to RDC 222/2018.
Does every dental product need ANVISA registration?
Not all, but most products that come into contact with the patient or are used in clinical procedures require regularization. Always check the product's status on the ANVISA portal.
Is a dental chart mandatory?
Yes. The dental chart is mandatory by CFO determination. Every dentist must keep complete and updated records for each patient treated.
How long should a dental chart be kept?
The CFO recommends keeping it for at least 20 years after the last appointment. For minor patients, the period counts from the age of majority. Digital charts facilitate secure and long-term storage.
What must be mandatory in the chart?
Full patient identification, anamnesis, diagnosis, treatment plan, clinical evolution, procedures performed with dates, prescriptions, complementary exams, and informed consent form.
Does a digital chart have legal validity?
Yes, provided it meets the requirements for data security, integrity, and authenticity. The use of systems with digital signature and secure backup is recommended to ensure legal validity.
Can the patient request a copy of their chart?
Yes. The patient has the right to access their chart at any time, according to the Dental Code of Ethics and the Consumer Protection Code.
Materials and Equipment
What materials are mandatory in any dental practice?
Every practice must have biosafety equipment (gloves, masks, glasses, gowns), a sterilization system (autoclave), a sealer, an ultrasonic cleaner, and surface disinfection materials. RDC 50 and CFO standards regulate the minimum required structure.
How often should dental equipment be calibrated?
Equipment such as autoclaves and X-ray machines require periodic calibration and maintenance with a certificate issued by an accredited laboratory. Certificates must be kept on file for presentation during inspections.
Is dental advertising also regulated?
Yes. The CFO regulates professional disclosure, including professional identification, disclosure of recognized specialties, use of clinical images, and responsibility for social media.
How to check if a product has ANVISA registration?
Access the portal consultas.anvisa.gov.br, select the product category, and search by name or registration number. Make sure the registration is active and that the manufacturer's data matches the physical product.
What to look for on the packaging before buying a dental product?
Check the expiration date, physical integrity, lot number, manufacturer's name, ANVISA registration number, and instructions for use in Portuguese. Packaging without this information is a warning sign.
Does an imported product have the same guarantees?
Yes, provided it is regularized with ANVISA. Imported products legally marketed in Brazil must go through the same registration or notification process as domestic ones.
Dental Prosthetics
What is the difference between full, partial, and implant-supported dentures?
A full denture replaces all teeth in an arch and rests on the gum. A removable partial denture replaces some teeth and anchors to remaining teeth. An implant-supported denture is fixed to osseointegrated implants, offering greater stability, comfort, and bone preservation.
Acrylic resin or ceramic: which to choose?
Depends on the clinical indication. Acrylic resin is more economical and indicated for full and temporary dentures. Ceramic offers superior aesthetics, greater durability, and biocompatibility, being preferred for fixed prostheses and aesthetic restorations.
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