RESUMO
O objetivo deste estudo, com recorte transversal de natureza quantitativa, foi avaliar o perfil, a percepção e o motivo da escolha pelo curso de Odontologia em uma faculdade particular de Campinas (SP). Do total de 153 alunos matriculados em 2016, 102 (66,7%) aceitaram participar da pesquisa. O instrumento de pesquisa foi um questionário estruturado, autoaplicável, com 22 questões que versavam sobre perfil socioeconômico, demográfico, percepção sobre o curso e os motivos de sua escolha. Entre os respondentes, 81,4% eram do sexo feminino. A faixa etária de 17 a 20 anos predominou (67,3%), sendo a maioria solteiros (89,3%), tendo cursado ensino médio em escola particular (80,4%), com renda familiar acima de R$ 8.800,00 (54,0%). Quando abordados sobre o motivo da escolha pelo curso, 61,7% optaram por ser da área da saúde; e 29,4% sofreram influência de um dentista. Quanto à pretensão profissional, 6,8% querem trabalhar somente no setor público, 47,0% querem ser assalariados e montar seu próprio negócio e 38% querem trabalhar de forma autônoma em consultório. Sobre o curso, 62,8% se declararam satisfeitos com o corpo docente; 72,5%, com a matriz curricular, e a maioria (70,5%) deseja cursar especialização após a graduação. Sobre a escolha, 97,0% estão satisfeitos; e 96,0% se sentem preparados para enfrentar o mercado de trabalho. A percepção dos respondentes é positiva quanto à formação. Há o reconhecimento da tendência de assalariamento na profissão, embora demonstrem o desejo de atuação no setor privado (AU).
The aim of the present cross-sectional, quantitative study was to evaluate the profile of students on the Dentistry course of a private college in Campinas (São Paulo) and their perception of and reasons for choosing such a course. Of the 153 students enrolled in 2016, 102 (66.7%) agreed to participate in the study. The research tool was a structured, self-administered questionnaire featuring 22 questions that dealt with socioeconomic and demographic profile, perception of the course and reasons for choosing it. Of those who responded, 81.4% were female. The 17 to 20 year-old age group predominated (67.3%), while most of the sample were single (89.3%), had attended a private high school (80.4%), and had a family income of over R$ 8,800.00 (54.0%). When asked about the reason for choosing the course, 61.7% said it was because it was part of the area of health, while 29.4% were influenced by a dentist. Regarding professional intentions, 6.8% wanted to work in the public sector only, 47.0% wanted to be salaried employees and set up their own business and 38% wanted to be self-employed in a dental surgery. A total of 62.8% declared themselves satisfied with the teaching staff of the course; 72.5% said they were satisfied with the curriculum, and the majority (70.5%) planned to do a specialization course after graduation. With regard to their choice, 97.0% were satisfied; while 96.0% felt prepared to enter the job market. The perception of the respondents about their training was positive. A trend towards salaried work in the profession was noted, although a desire to work in the private sector was also noted (AU).