INTRODUCTION: The formation of Oral Health Team, healthy and ergonomic work conditions influence on quality of dental attendance to patient. OBJECTIVE: In this observational and cross-sectional study, it was observed the participation of the dental assistants (ASB) on dental team on public health, to verify the items related to health legislation, the existence and distribution of equipment in dental offices. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The data collection was performed using questionnaires and observations on locals for consultation. It were interviewed 75 dentists from 9 cities of Health Regional Department (DRS) - XV - São José do Rio Preto City and it was evaluated 34 dental offices. RESULT: Of total 75 dentists, 21 (28%) worked alone and among them, 6 (29%) worked at school and 15(71%) at Health Basic Unit (UBS). From 34 dental offices, 2 (6%) did not show any equipment for sterilization and among those that had it, the autoclave was the most used method (44%). Among the analyzed dental offices, 31 (91%) had dustbin for common waste and 23 (68%) of contaminated waste was inadequate. It was noted that 13 (38%) did not have local to wash de hands; in 23 (68%) there was paper towel; in 20 (59%) there was ideal soap dishes, and the compressor was installed into dental offices in 5 (15%) of local for attendance. In relation to dental offices adequacy for the help work, all of them (n = 19) were dissatisfied. CONCLUSION: The existence of ASB was present in the Centers of Dental Specialties (CEO) and Units of Family Health due legal exigencies and it were found inadequate healthy and ergonomic conditions, suggesting the necessity of reorganization of work and management processes.
Human resources; public health; dental assistants