Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has forced dentistry schools (DSs) to adapt their teaching techniques to digital platforms. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate distance classes in the Brazilian DS curriculum. After an online search of higher education institutions (HEIs) with DS on the e-Ministry of Education (MEC) platform, we included institutions with at least one graduated class to extract the age/localization of the DS, funding, number of authorized seats, MEC-grade, ENADE-score, and workload. HEIs’ webpages were consulted to identify the curriculum, subjects offered in the distance education (DE) format, extracurricular programs, scientific events, postgraduate programs, and institutional YouTube channels. Chi-square/Fisher’s tests plus binary logistic regression were performed (SPSS 20.0, p < 0.05). Of the 241 DSs evaluated, 82 (34.0%) offered distance classes, and a high prevalence was observed in the southeast region (p <0.001) and private HEIs (p = 0.001). HEIs with distance classes had lower ENADE scores (p = 0.004), lower workload (p = 0.007), and higher workload for optional subjects (p = 0.016), doctoral programs (p = 0.041), specialization courses (p = 0.017), and institutional YouTube channels (p < 0.001). Southern dental schools (p < 0.001), lower workload (p = 0.022), optional subjects (p = 0.033), and institutional YouTube channels (p = 0.005) were independently associated with distance classes. In one-third of the Brazilian DSs, distance classes and institutional YouTube channels were strongly associated variables. The association of distance learning with lower workload and low academic performance draws attention to the need for regulatory bodies for controlling the quality of DE.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever a estratégia de atuação do Centro de Informações Estratégicas de Vigilância em Saúde (Cievs/PE) na resposta à emergência da Síndrome Congênita associada à infecção pelo vírus Zika (SCZ) no estado de Pernambuco, entre 2015 e 2016. Métodos: realizada descrição das estratégias e atividades desenvolvidas pelo Cievs/PE durante a emergência em saúde pública de importância internacional relacionada a SCZ. Resultados: participação na detecção dos casos suspeitos da SCZ; participação na elaboração dos protocolos clínico epidemiológicos; construção de formulários eletrônicos para notificação dos casos da SCZ e gestante com exantema; elaboração de informes epidemiológicos; construção de página eletrônica sobre a emergência no site do Cievs/PE; inserção do evento no Comitê de Avaliação e Monitoramento de Eventos (CAME); resolução de demandas durante a prontidão; visita técnica de instituições nacionais e internacionais. As ações desenvolvidas pelo Cievs/PE foram fundamentais para a detecção e acompanhamento de 2.073 casos da SCZ, com a confirmação 390 (18,1%) e descarte de 1.413 (65,6%) casos, e 4.467 gestantes com exantema. Conclusões: a atuação do Cievs/PE permitiu o emprego de estratégias de preparação e resposta em tempo oportuno, de forma qualificada e cooperativa no enfrentamento a emergência em saúde pública da SCZ.

Abstract Objectives: to describe the strategy action from the Centro de Informações Estratégicas de Vigilância em Saúde (Cievs/PE) (Strategic Information on Health Surveillance Center) in response to the emergency on Congenital Syndrome associated to Zika virus infection (CSZ) in Pernambuco State between 2015 and 2016. Methods: description performed on the strategies and activities developed by Cievs/PE during the important international public health emergency related to CSZ. Results: participated in detecting suspected CSZ cases; participated in elaborating clinical epidemiological protocols; developed electronic forms to notify CSZ cases and pregnant women with exanthema rashes; prepared epidemiological reports; developed a website about the emergency on the Cievs/PE website; insert the occurrence in the Comitê de Avaliação e Monitoramento de Eventos (CAME) (Committee to Assess and Monitor Occurrence); resolution of demands during readiness; technical visits from National and International institutions. The actions developed by the Cievs/PE were fundamental in detecting and following-up on 2,073 CSZ cases. 390 cases were confirmed (18.1%) and 1,413 were discarded (65.6%), and 4,467 pregnant women had exanthema rash. Conclusions: the action from the Cievs/PE allowed to employ timely strategies on preparation and response in a qualified and cooperative way to face public health emergency on CSZ's