Descarte de tecidos bucais em lesões associadas ou não a dentes: avaliação das condutas adotadas por cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros

Abstract

The conduct of dentists regarding lesions associated with teeth, access to oral pathology services, training received during education, and attitudes related to these practices are not widely studied. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the behavior of these professionals concerning biopsy, considering the disposal or referral of tissues for histopathological analysis. This is a crosssectional observational study conducted with 348 dentists registered with the Regional Dental Council in the macro-region of Governador Valadares. Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires, administered in digital (Google Forms) and printed formats. The analyzed variables included sociodemographic data (gender, age, marital status), previous biopsy experiences during undergraduate studies, professional education (level of education, years of practice, specialty), and the type of professional affiliation (public or private sector). The results showed that the majority of professionals (n = 285) do not discard lesions removed from the oral mucosa, while 17.60% (n = 63) consider discarding them. Regarding lesions associated with teeth, 65.92% (n = 236) reported discarding the material, including tissues from third molars and periapical lesions. Regarding the referral of tooth-associated lesions for histopathological analysis, 83.24% (n = 298) do not refer them, and only 13.97% (n = 50) send the material for laboratory examination. As for the factors associated with the decision to send material for histopathological analysis, variables such as age, years of clinical experience, access to pathology laboratories, and contact with pathologists showed no significant influence. However, performing biopsies during undergraduate studies showed a significant association (p = 0.01), as did the perception of having received adequate training (p < 0.001), indicating a relevant impact on professional behavior. The study highlighted the improper disposal of surgically removed tissues, whether or not associated with teeth, and the lack of knowledge about these lesions among professionals. These findings emphasize the importance of educational strategies, such as practical workshops and clinical training, focusing on oral biopsy techniques, diagnostic hypothesis formulation, and the adoption of training models for the diagnosis and management of premalignant and malignant lesions.