Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the functioning and safety measures of dental radiology clinics in the northeast of Brazil, during a COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is an inductive approach, with a statistical-descriptive procedure and indirect observation technique. Data were collected from March to July 2020, through electronic sites (homepages) and profiles of social networks of dental radiology clinics in the northeastern states of Brazil, with 162 clinics selected. Results: Dental radiology clinics present a high risk for the spread of COVID-19. To this end, they have been updated in the biosafety protocols in these areas. The sample presented that 48.14% of clinics closed in March and that 31.48% performed emergency care. Measures such as avoiding oral x-rays and giving preference to oral ones were adopted and, in order to minimize contagion, a teleodontology was used by 58.64% of these, making the results of the exams available through digital tools. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed the importance of implementing safety standards, adopted by health agencies, and the need for the evolution of biosafety in the clinical routine of dental radiology.