Frequently Asked Questions — Dentistry
We have compiled the main questions from dentists, assistants, and clinic managers regarding 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 point of contact for patients — performing diagnosis, prevention, and basic procedures. A specialist has additional training in a specific area recognized by the CFO, such as endodontics, implantology, or orthodontics, and handles more complex cases.
What are the dental specialties recognized by the CFO?
The CFO currently recognizes 22 specialties, including: General Dentistry, 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 should be used for each type of procedure?
Diamond burs are used for enamel and dentin reduction, finishing, and cavity preparation. Carbide (multiblade) burs are ideal for caries removal, restoration finishing, and polishing. The grit (coarse, medium, fine, extrafine) defines the aggressiveness of the cut.
Which glove is best 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 allergic reactions to latex, and provide excellent tactile sensitivity. Latex gloves are still used in surgeries due to their elasticity. Vinyl is indicated for lower-risk procedures without blood contact.
When should an N95/PFF2 mask be used in the dental office?
An N95/PFF2 mask is recommended for procedures that generate aerosols (using a 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.
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 oversight, and ethical processes in each state.
What is RDC 15/2012 and why is it important?
RDC 15/2012 establishes good practice requirements for processing health products — cleaning, inspection, packaging, sterilization, and storage. It is the reference standard for Central Sterile Supply Departments (CSSD) and must be followed by every dental office.
What happens if a clinic is inspected without a Sanitary Permit?
The Health Surveillance agency can immediately shut down the establishment, impose 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 Healthcare Waste Management Plan (PGRSS) of a dental clinic?
The Healthcare Waste Management Plan (PGRSS) must cover the classification of generated waste (biological, chemical, sharps, common), procedures for segregation, conditioning, collection, transport, and final disposal, in accordance with RDC 222/2018.
Do all dental products require ANVISA registration?
Not all, but most products that come into contact with patients or are used in clinical procedures require regularization. Always check the product's status on the ANVISA portal.
Is a dental record mandatory?
Yes. Dental records are mandatory as determined by the CFO. Every dentist must maintain complete and updated records for each patient treated.
How long must a patient record be kept?
The CFO recommends keeping records for at least 20 years after the last appointment. For minor patients, the period starts from the age of majority. Digital records facilitate secure and long-term storage.
What must be included in the patient record?
Full patient identification, anamnesis, diagnosis, treatment plan, clinical evolution, procedures performed with dates, prescriptions, complementary exams, and informed consent form.
Does a digital patient record have legal validity?
Yes, provided it meets the requirements for data security, integrity, and authenticity. The use of systems with digital signatures and secure backup is recommended to ensure legal validity.
Can a patient request a copy of their record?
Yes. Patients have the right to access their records at any time, according to the Code of Dental Ethics and the Consumer Protection Code.
Materials and Equipment
What materials are mandatory in any dental office?
Every dental office must have biosafety equipment (gloves, masks, glasses, gowns), a sterilization system (autoclave), a sealer, an ultrasonic cleaner, and surface disinfectant materials. RDC 50 and CFO regulations govern 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 inspection.
Is dental advertising also regulated?
Yes. The CFO regulates professional advertising, including professional identification, disclosure of recognized specialties, use of clinical images, and responsibility for social media.
How to verify if a product has ANVISA registration?
Access the portal consultas.anvisa.gov.br, select the product category, and search by name or registration number. Ensure that 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 red flag.
Do imported products have the same guarantees?
Yes, provided they are regularized with ANVISA. Imported products legally marketed in Brazil must go through the same registration or notification process as domestic ones.
Dental Instruments
Source: Clinical Application Matrix of Dental Instruments
Can all dental instruments be sterilized in an autoclave?
Most metal instruments are compatible with autoclave sterilization, provided this processing method is specified in the manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU).
What is the difference between a Gracey curette and a universal curette?
Gracey curettes are specific to certain tooth surfaces, while universal curettes can be used on different tooth surfaces.
What are the basic instruments for a dental consultation?
The basic set typically includes a dental mirror, explorer, clinical forceps, and, when indicated, a periodontal probe.
How to organize instruments by specialty?
Organizing instruments in specific trays or cassettes for each procedure reduces preparation time, improves workflow, and contributes to biosafety.
Dental Prosthetics
What is the difference between a complete denture, partial denture, and implant-supported prosthesis?
A complete denture replaces all teeth in an arch and rests on the gums. A removable partial denture replaces some teeth and is anchored to remaining teeth. An implant-supported prosthesis is fixed to osseointegrated implants, offering greater stability, comfort, and bone preservation.
Acrylic resin or ceramic: which to choose?
It depends on the clinical indication. Acrylic resin is more economical and indicated for complete and temporary dentures. Ceramic offers superior aesthetics, greater durability, and biocompatibility, being preferred for fixed prosthetics and aesthetic restorations.
Is zirconia indicated for all cases?
No. Zirconia is excellent for posterior crowns, bridges, and implant-supported prostheses, but may have limitations in cases requiring maximum anterior translucency. In these cases, lithium disilicate may be more suitable.
How long does a dental prosthesis last?
Fixed ceramic or zirconia prostheses can last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Removable resin dentures usually require relining or replacement every 5 to 8 years.
What is the CAD/CAM system in dental prosthetics?
CAD/CAM is the technology for digital design and milling of prostheses. It allows for greater precision, reproducibility, and speed in the fabrication of crowns, veneers, and prosthetic structures, especially in zirconia and lithium disilicate.
Children's Oral Health and Pediatric Dentistry
When should a child visit the dentist for the first time?
The recommendation is that the first visit occurs when the first primary tooth (baby tooth) erupts, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. Early consultation allows for parental guidance and prevention of future problems.
Do pacifiers and bottles affect orofacial development?
Yes, when used for prolonged periods and beyond recommended ages. Use up to 2 years is generally accepted but should be monitored. From 3 years of age, the risk of bite changes and bone development increases significantly.
How to prevent cavities in early childhood?
Clean the baby's gums with gauze or a finger brush even before teeth erupt. After the first teeth erupt, use a child's toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste in an amount the size of a grain of rice. Avoid sugary foods at night and do not share spoons or pacifiers.
Until what age is pacifier use acceptable?
Up to 2 years, use is generally tolerated. Between 2 and 3 years, gradual weaning should begin. After 3 years, pacifier cessation should be prioritized with guidance from the pediatric dentist.
Do baby teeth need care?
Yes. Primary teeth are fundamental for chewing, speech, aesthetics, and to reserve space for permanent teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and affect the development of permanent teeth.
Practice Management and Opening a Dental Office
What is the average cost to set up a dental office?
A basic dental office may require between R$ 80,000 and R$ 200,000 for equipment, renovation, and initial working capital. Higher technology equipment (intraoral scanner, digital X-ray) increases this value.
What documents are mandatory to open a dental office?
Sanitary Permit, CRO registration, municipal operating license, PGRSS, and, when applicable, electrical and hydraulic installation report.
Leasing or CDC for financing equipment?
Leasing is generally more advantageous: lower rates and exempt from IOF (Financial Transactions Tax). CDC has simpler approval but higher rates. Evaluate with your accountant.
Is a home-based practice permitted by the CRO?
It depends on the state CRO and local Health Surveillance regulations. Generally, it is permitted as long as the space meets minimum infrastructure, biosafety, and accessibility requirements.
Commercial point or shared clinic: what is more worthwhile?
Shared clinics reduce initial investment and are ideal for those starting out. Owning a commercial point offers more autonomy and potential for patient loyalty, but requires more capital and commitment.
What is the minimum size for a dental office?
ANVISA's RDC 50 defines the minimum requirements. In general, the clinical environment must be at least 9 m², with a separate sterilization area. Always consult the local Health Surveillance.
How to check neighborhood safety before choosing a location?
Consult your state's Public Security Secretariat (SSP), the Ipea Violence Atlas, or interactive maps like the State one, which allow viewing criminal occurrences within a 500-meter radius of the address.
Dental Biomaterials
Source: Technical Standards: Biomaterials Used in Dentistry
Do all biomaterials need to be regularized with ANVISA?
Biomaterials subject to sanitary regularization must meet the requirements established by ANVISA before their commercialization and clinical use.
Do all biomaterials need to be refrigerated?
No. Most dental biomaterials are stored at controlled room temperature, generally between 15 °C and 30 °C. However, some products may require refrigeration or specific storage conditions. The manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU) must always prevail.
Should the biomaterial lot number be recorded in the patient record?
Yes. Recording the lot number, manufacturer, and expiration date is part of good traceability practices and contributes to patient safety.
Can I use a biomaterial whose packaging has been tampered with?
No. Products with damaged or tampered packaging, or compromised sterility, should not be used.
Are the Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU) mandatory?
Yes. IFUs establish the storage, handling, clinical indication, contraindications, and other requirements necessary for the safe use of the biomaterial.
Who is responsible for the correct use of biomaterials?
It is the dentist's responsibility to select appropriate biomaterials, verify their regularization, follow the manufacturer's guidelines, and maintain documentation and traceability of the products used.
Source: Dentistry in Practice: Biomaterials — How to select, prepare, and use in procedures
Does every regenerative procedure require biomaterial?
No. The necessity depends on the clinical evaluation, the amount of remaining tissue, the type of defect, and the treatment goals.
Can different biomaterials be combined?
In certain clinical situations, the combination of biomaterials may be indicated. This decision should be based on scientific evidence, manufacturer recommendations, and treatment planning.
Is it mandatory to use membranes?
No. The indication depends on the technique employed, the characteristics of the defect, and the clinical planning. In many guided bone regeneration procedures, however, their use is recommended to promote regeneration.
Do all biomaterials need to be hydrated before use?
No. Some biomaterials are used directly from sterile packaging, while others require hydration or specific preparation. The Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU) should always be followed.
What is the main factor for successful regeneration?
Success depends on a combination of various factors, including proper diagnosis, planning, biomaterial selection, surgical technique, graft stability, infection control, and post-operative follow-up.
Do biomaterials completely replace the patient's bone?
It depends on the type of biomaterial and the mechanism of action. Some act as a scaffold for bone neoformation, while others have different rates of reabsorption and replacement by bone tissue.
Gingival Recession
Source: Dentistry in Practice: Guide to Materials and Instruments for the Treatment of Gingival Recession
Does all gingival recession require surgery?
No. Many cases are initially treated with etiological control and a conservative approach.
Which classification is most commonly used today?
Cairo's classification is widely adopted to define the prognosis of root coverage.
Is a graft always necessary?
No. The indication depends on the amount of keratinized tissue, the periodontal phenotype, and the chosen technique.
How long does healing take?
The answer varies according to the procedure and the patient's clinical conditions.
Does the treatment definitively eliminate recession?
Success depends on the technique employed, control of etiological factors, and periodontal maintenance.
Is it possible to prevent new recessions?
Yes. Proper hygiene, biofilm control, correct brushing technique, and regular follow-ups significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Traumatic Brushing
Source: Traumatic Brushing: How to Identify and Correct
Does brushing teeth too hard clean better?
No. Excessive force does not increase the efficiency of biofilm removal and can lead to damage to gum tissues and wear of the tooth structure.
Are hard-bristled toothbrushes better?
The choice of toothbrush should consider the patient's clinical condition. In many cases, soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrushes are preferred to reduce the risk of gum trauma.
Is all gum recession caused by brushing?
No. Gum recession has a multifactorial origin and can be related to anatomical factors, periodontal disease, occlusal trauma, orthodontic movement, among others.
Can an electric toothbrush cause gum recession?
When used correctly and according to the manufacturer's and dentist's instructions, an electric toothbrush can be a safe alternative for many patients.
Can gum recession caused by brushing recede?
Removing the causal factor can stabilize the condition, but spontaneous gum recovery is limited. In selected cases, periodontal procedures may be indicated for root coverage.
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