The aim of the present study was to identify the perception of students of the Dentistry regarding the contribution of preceptors in their process of academic training. This qualitative study involved 69 volunteerstudents from three public and private higher education institutions in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The volunteers described their perceptions regarding the contribution of the preceptor in their training process. The answers were evaluated through Bardin's content analysis and classified into 3 thematic categories "The clinical knowledge/experience required for teaching"; "The understanding of the process of working in Primary Care" and "Professional training". It was concluded that, from the perspective of the students, the preceptor is considered to have the necessary characteristics to meet their academic demands needs, as they have the necessary clinical knowledge and teachingknowledge and understand the working process in public service. A lack of professional training can influence the learning process (AU).