Correspondence to:

We declare no confl ict of interest. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the infection control measures actually imple-mented by dental surgeons during dental practice, as patients and professionals are exposed to high biological risk in dental care environments. Method: 614 questionnaires (90.69%) were answered by professionals registered in updating or in post-graduate courses in the Municipality of São Paulo. Results: Out of surveyed professionals 30.62 % admitted that surface protection barriers were not used, whereas 34.17 % were using non ideal or outdated pre-disinfection practices. The autoclave was used by 69.38 % of participants, although 33.80 % were not monitoring control of the sterili-zation cycles. Chemical and biological indicators were not used simultaneously by 83.21 % of re-spondents and were not employed on a daily or weekly basis by at least 81.75%. Dubious methods of sterilization were cited by 44.77%. Occupational accidents caused by cutting and piercing objects were reported by 47.88%; however, the biologic risk was underestimated by 74.15 % of the profes-sionals who suffered the accidents. Irritant solutions were used as an antiseptic agent by 18.55%. Conclusions: Infection control measures reported by dental surgeons during their practices are de-fi cient. It is necessary to educate, raise awareness of professionals, and promote constant updating courses on procedures which aim at improving safety of dental care