Saúde coletiva na formação profissional: percepções de estudantes de odontologia

Abstract

The concern with training of human resources stands out in dental schools around the world. In Brazil, the issue was strengthened by the advent of the Unified Health System and the implementation of the National Curriculum Guidelines for Dental Courses (DCNO), which suggests a professional profile with generalized, critical and reflective education as well as greater social inclusion. This study aimed to survey, understand and interpret the perceptions of undergraduate dental students on the construction of the professional profile of the dentist, as well as aspects related to public health. The technique used was qualitative research through focus group interviews with students from the tenth semester of the College of Odontology, one of the most traditional public education facilities in southern Brazil. Data were recorded, literally transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis proposed Minayo. It was possible to identify five categories related to public health: Characteristics of Training; Learning Opportunity in Public Health; Professional Profile to Work in Public Health; Perceptions of Services and What it Means Work in Public Health. Students perceived their training focused on public health, with generalist profile, assigned to the current health system, following the model recommended by DCNO. However they crave expertise in technical areas and prioritize private care by considering public services poorly waged and with structural limitations.