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The objective of the present article is primordially to rise controversies about the education as a whole and the scientific knowledge as important foundations in the academic formation. Believing that the incessant search of the masters degree courses should not limit to the theories as a mere academic education. The methodological dynamics of the knowledge is questioned, as well as truth and knowledge. The human condition is introduced as a theme that has a tendency to the post-modern era, discussing the liquidity and human fragility. The complexity and interdisciplinarity were questioned. The approach of the qualitative research was correlated to the human and existential issue. Besides other topics regarding education and research such as bioethics, viability of the uninterested research, mass production and theories well addressed, we aimed at showing that the education process and knowledge can create events so that the student becomes the subject, an individual with self-criticism and with dialectics posture.

The aim of the present study is to ascertain whether an oral infection control protocol is being used in Rio de Janeiro State hospitals. Sixty two hospitals, both public and private have been surveyed. When asked whether any procedure was being adopted with admitted patients (in case of ICU patients), 39% of the hospitals responded positively. Among all institutions surveyed, only 15% conduct a regular plaque control protocol in admitted patients. Studies have shown that there is an inter-relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, preterm births and low birthweight, diabetes and respiratory diseases. The oral cavity is considered a potent reservoir of respiratory pathogens. Based on these findings, it has become evident that oral hygiene is an important means of preventing a number of diseases. Thus the need arises not only to create an oral cavity infection control protocol that will contribute to reduce mortality in admitted patients but also to propose preventive measures towards this end.

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the practices and attitudes of senior dental students about infection control procedures., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed during the 1st semester of 2003. Open- and close-ended questions were given to 196 students in 6 universities., Results: Overall, 90.8% of students had been vaccinated for hepatitis B. Only 25.0% have been assessed for anti-HBs. A total of 99.5% students reported always using gloves for all procedures. Eye protection were always used by 84.2% of students, and all the students used face masks for all procedures. Caps or hair covers were used by 92.3% of students and 87.8% reported no objection to treating patients with infectious diseases. Among instructors, the students observed that 60.2% of them did not use gloves for all procedures, 43.4% of those didn't change gloves between patients., Conclusions: These results address the need for an improved quality assurance, in order for the students and faculty to improve their practices and attitudes on infection control measures.