Brazilian dental students and COVID-19: A survey on knowledge and perceptions.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the knowledge and perceptions of Brazilian dental students about COVID-19 and the undergraduate clinical practice during the COVID-19 outbreak by a self-administered Web-based questionnaire. METHODS: A social network campaign on Instagram was raised to approach the target population. The survey covered demographic and academic profile, general knowledge, preventive measures and perception about COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were used to identify frequencies and distributions of variables, which were compared by type of institution and current year of enrolment using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 833 valid responses were received over 10 days. Students were able to identify the incubation period, main symptoms and contagious routes of the disease but struggled in recognising the name of the virus responsible for the pandemic. Hand washing before and after a dental appointment with a patient (97.7%) followed by the use of barriers to protect mucosa (97.2%) were the more frequently recognised measures to prevent COVID-19 spread in the dental office. As for the perception of COVID-19, 73.2% of the dental students perceived the disease as severe, whilst only 11.1% of them thought that COVID-19 is severe only for people presenting risk factors. Dental student's knowledge and perception were associated with the type of institution and year of enrolment. CONCLUSION: In summary, the dental students demonstrated an acceptable general knowledge about COVID-19, but dental schools will need to address gaps in knowledge, preventive measures, and perceptions to ensure a safer return to in person activities.

Estomatología 2020, un congreso en tiempos de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Dentistry 2020, a congress in the time of COVID-19

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 introdujo un cambio en la realización del Congreso Internacional en conmemoración el 120 aniversario de la fundación de la Facultad de Estomatología de La Habana, efectuándose de manera virtual en noviembre del 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar el Congreso Internacional de carácter virtual Estomatología 2020, realizado en tiempos de COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, con la aplicación del método histórico-lógico y el de revisión documental, utilizándose los reportes estadísticos finales que brindó el sitio del cónclave. Resultados: En la página del congreso se inscribieron 970 usuarios, de ellos, 899 cubanos y 71 de otros países; todas las provincias estuvieron representadas. El 81 por ciento de los usuarios fueron profesionales y el 16,8 por ciento, estudiantes. Fueron aprobados y publicados 391 trabajos, para un 82,8 por ciento, 373 trabajos eran de autores cubanos y 18 de autores extranjeros. El 18 por ciento de los trabajos correspondieron a estomatología general integral en la atención primaria de salud, seguida de ortodoncia (14,3 por ciento). Se realizaron 2405 comentarios en total, el 92,3 por ciento de los trabajos publicados recibieron comentarios, figuran en las Actas del Congreso 354 trabajos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los usuarios inscritos fueron cubanos, del sexo femenino y profesionales. Todas las provincias tuvieron representación. La mayoría de los trabajos recibidos reunieron los requisitos para ser publicados y, prácticamente, la quinta parte correspondió a la estomatología general integral en la atención primaria de salud. Fue destacada para participación de estudiantes(AU)

Introduction : Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Congress programmed to mark the 120th anniversary of the Dental School of Havana had to change its format and was held virtually in November 2020. Objective: Characterize the virtual International Congress Dentistry 2020, held in the time of COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted based on the final statistical reports provided by the Congress website and applying historical-logical and document review methods. Results: A total 970 users were registered in the Congress page. Of these, 899 were Cuban and 71 were foreign. All the provinces were represented. 81 percent of the users were professionals and 16.8 percent were students. 391 papers were accepted and published, for 82.8 percent; 373 papers were written by Cuban authors and 18 by foreign authors. 18 percent of the papers dealt with general comprehensive dentistry in primary health care, followed by orthodontics (14.3 percent). 2 405 comments were made, with 92.3 percent of the published papers receiving comments. 354 papers were recorded in the Congress Proceedings. Conclusions: Most of the users registered were Cuban, female and professionals. All the provinces were represented. Most of the papers received met the publication requirements and almost one fifth dealt with general comprehensive dentistry in primary health care. Students had an outstanding participation(AU)

Ajustes Curriculares de las Escuelas de Odontología Chilenas en Periodo de Pandemia COVID-19 / Curricular Adjustments of Chilean Dental Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Dada la expansión de la pandemia por COVID-19, se han implementado diversas medidas restrictivas, las cuales han afectado todos los ámbitos, incluido el educacional. A nivel internacional, las universidades han realizado diversos ajustes a sus programas curriculares para adaptarse a esta situación, siendo la carrera de Odontología particularmente afectada a causa de los cierres de clínicas y retraso en la adquisición de competencias clínicas. El objetivo del estudio es describir los principales ajustes curriculares de las carreras de Odontología de universidades chilenas, realizadas en periodo de pandemia en el año 2020, recopiladas a través de una encuesta. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, a través de una encuesta enviada a todos los representantes de las escuelas de Odontología de universidades chilenas. Se recopiló información sobre el contexto sanitario local, accesibilidad a las clínicas odontológicas, disponibilidad de tratamientos, vía de enseñanza, apoyo al bienestar mental e implicaciones futuras en la educación dental. De las 27 escuelas de Odontología nacionales, se obtuvieron 23 respuestas. Un 57% de las escuelas tuvo limitaciones en el acceso y en el tipo de tratamientos odontológicos realizados en sus centros clínicos. Todas las escuelas implementaron una modalidad online para reemplazar las actividades lectivas presenciales y un 42 % realizó actividades clínicas presenciales durante el año 2020. Todas las evaluaciones teóricas fueron realizadas de forma online, y un 82 % de las evaluaciones de competencias clínicas se retrasaron para ser realizadas posteriormente. Debido a las medidas restrictivas de la pandemia, las clases presenciales, evaluaciones teóricas y algunas actividades prácticas se realizaron en modalidad online. Dependiendo del contexto comunal y políticas internas universitarias, algunas escuelas de odontología pudieron realizar actividades prácticas presenciales. El plan de estudios académico en las escuelas de odontología se ha visto afectado de diferentes maneras como resultado de la pandemia de COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions in medical education worldwide. Universities made curricular adjustments in order to adapt to this situation. Dentistry has been particularly affected by the lockdown measures resulting in the closure of dental clinics and the disruption of face to face personal training of students. The objective of this study was to describe the main curriculum adjustments made by the dental schools in Chile during 2020. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out which included representatives from all Dental Schools in Chilean Universities. The survey requested information related to local sanitary situations, accessibility to dental clinics, availability of treatments, teaching modality, support for mental well-being and future implications of dental education. Of 27 dental schools a total of 23 responses were received. It was found that 57 % of schools had limited access to dental clinics. All schools had implemented online modality to replace face-to-face theoretical training, 42 % were able to conduct clinical activities during 2020 and 82 % of clinical competency assessments were postponed. Due to the restrictive measures of the pandemic, the face-to-face classes, theoretical evaluations and some practical activities were performed online. Depending on the communal context, dental schools were able to execute practical activities. The academic curriculum in dental schools has been severely affected in different ways as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on dental students: A multi-institutional survey.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate dental students' perceptions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, their coping strategies and support resources, and their perceived stress levels. METHODS: A customized 19-item survey and the perceived stress scale (PSS) were applied to undergraduate dental students from the US, Spain, Ireland, Chile, India, and Brazil between April 10 and July 5, 2020. Linear modeling and mediation analysis were used to explore the relationships among demographics, stressors, coping mechanisms, social support, and stress RESULTS: A total of 4475 students responded to the survey. The majority (72.4%) were women, and 52.3% had no COVID-19 training at the time of the survey. The students reported that they had to accommodate to changes in patient care (96.6%) and didactic learning (95.2%) activities, while 88.5% of the respondents indicated at least one of their courses moved online. Transition to online courses went "smoothly with some troubles" for 51.8% of the respondents, and 48.3% perceived the faculty as prepared for the online transition; however, 45.9% reported feeling extremely concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their education. The average PSS score was 21.9 of 40 (moderate stress). Multivariate models were built for participants with full data (n = 3899). Being male, having completed more dental coursework, and perceiving a smoother transition were associated with lower PSS scores; more concern about academic progress was associated with higher PSS. Faculty support mediated the relationship between a smoothness of transition and concern about academic progress and PSS scores CONCLUSION: Stress caused by the pandemic may be alleviated by smoother transition and good faculty support.

Perfil e percepção dos profissionais egressos de um curso de Odontologia / Profile and perception of graduated professionals from a dentistry course / Perfil y percepción de profesionales graduados de un curso de Odontologia

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil e a percepção dos Cirurgiões-Dentistas formados na UEFS no período de 2013.1 a 2018.1 Método: Estudo de corte transversal de caráter descritivo, realizado por meio de um questionário com informações sobre dados pessoais, perfil socioeconômico e demográfico, campo de atuação e formação acadêmica. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria dos egressos é do sexo feminino, na faixa etária de 22 a 26 anos e trabalha no setor privado. A maior parte cursou ou está cursando a pós-graduação devido à necessidade de aprimorar conhecimento, exigência do mercado de trabalho, seguir carreira acadêmica ou metas financeiras. Notou-se que serviço privado foi o principal local de atuação, seguido de serviço público ou mais de um local. Conclusão: Os profissionais entrevistados se mostraram satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos sobre a maioria das variáveis relacionadas às atividades ambulatoriais, processo ensinoaprendizagem, atividades de estágio e corpo docente

Objective: To evaluate the profile and perception of Dental Surgeons trained at UEFS in the period 2013.1 to 2018.1 Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study, through a questionnaire containing information about personal data, socioeconomic and demographic profile, field of activity and academic background. Results: It was observed that the majority of graduates are female, aged between 22 and 26 years old and work in the private sector. Most have attended or are attending postgraduate courses due to the need to improve knowledge, demand in the labor market, pursue an academic career or financial goals. It was noted that private service was the main place of operation, followed by public service or more than one place. Conclusions: The professionals interviewed were satisfied / very satisfied about most variables related to outpatient activities, teaching-learning process, internship activity and teachers.

Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil y percepción de los Dentistas formados en UEFS en el periodo 2013.1 a 2018.1. Método: Estudio epidemiológico de corte transversal descriptivo, logrado a través de un cuestionario con informaciones sobre datos personales, perfil socioeconómico y demográfico, campo de actividad profesional y formación académica. Resultados: Se observó que la mayoría de los egresados son mujeres, tienen entre 22 y 26 años y trabajan en el sector privado. La mayoría ha cursado o está cursando estudios de posgrado por la necesidad de mejorar el conocimiento, la demanda en el mercado laboral, perseguir una carrera académica u objetivos económicos. Se señaló que el servicio privado era el principal lugar de operación, seguido del servicio público o más de un lugar. Conclusión: Los profesionales entrevistados se mostraron satisfechos o muy satisfechos con la mayoría de variables relacionadas con las actividades ambulatorias, el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, las pasantía y el cuerpo docente.

Self-reported percutaneous injuries of students and interns at the School of Dentistry in Trinidad: A follow up study of an updated sharps protocol

Objective: To report the results of a survey of all percutaneous injuries that occurred between 2009 ­ 2014 among students and interns at the dental school in Trinidad and to evaluate compliance with the protocol for the management of percutaneous injuries. Methods: Data was collected via questionnaires administered to 186 clinical students and interns in 2012 and 2014. Data were analysed using SPSS® 17.0 Statistical software. Results: A 90% response rate was obtained. Forty-eight persons (29%) reported one or more sharps injuries at the dental school. Of the 76 sharps injuries reported, 55 were percutaneous. Needle sticks and burs accounted for the majority of injuries and mostly occurred while working on patients. There were no significant relationships (p>0.05) between sex nor student year with the occurrence of injuries. 76% of the respondents described their concern for contracting blood borne injuries from sharps injuries as "high." After injury, 41% of the respondents followed the school's protocol for sharps injuries. Conclusion: The prevalence of percutaneous injuries among students and interns at the UWI dental school in Trinidad is 23% and occur most commonly while working on patients. Compliance with the protocol for percutaneous injuries needs to be improved. The protocol needs to be audited to improve efficiency and reinforced to the students, interns and clinical supervisors during their clinical years.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the teaching of dentistry in Brazil.

A new disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) virus, was discovered in the city of Wuhan in China in December 2019, and has reached, quickly and progressively, several countries on different continents. Even before the World Health Organization recognized the COVID-19 epidemic as a pandemic, the Brazilian Ministry of Health had already declared COVID-19 a national public health emergency due to the confirmation of cases in Brazil. In this scenario, the educational sector was one of the first to suffer the effects of the pandemic soon after the announcement of social distancing as a way to prevent the collapse of the Unified Health System. The aim of this paper is to report how Brazilians dental schools are leading with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Evaluation of Hydrogen Peroxide and Cetylpyridinium Chloride as Bacterial Decontaminants of Dental Unit Water Lines at a Private Peruvian Dental School.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hydrogen peroxide and cetylpyridinium chloride as bacterial decontaminants of dental unit water lines at a private Peruvian dental school. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water samples were obtained from 66 dental units of a University Dental Clinic before decontamination treatment and at days 3 and 7 thereafter. The biofilm treatments were applied equitably among the two treatment groups (n = 22) and one negative control (distilled water). The samples obtained on each collection day were taken to the biochemical laboratory in thermal boxes and then diluted, seeded, and incubated at 37°C for 24h to count colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). RESULTS: The samples to which hydrogen peroxide were applied had a mean of 1.53 × 105 CFU/mL before application, 0.04 × 105 CFU/mL at day 3, and 0.03 × 105 CFU/mL at day 7, whereas the samples undergoing cetylpyridinium chloride treatment had a mean of 1.74 × 105 CFU/mL before application, 615.38 CFU/mL on day 3, and 307.69 CFU/mL on day 7. Distilled water treatment showed a mean of 1.72 × 105 ± 0.39 × 105 CFU/mL at baseline, 1.51 × 105 ± 1.40 × 105 CFU/mL at day 3, and a mean of 1.74 × 105 ± 0.47 × 105 CFU/mL at day 7. Statistically significant differences were found among the three treatment groups at days 3 (P ≤ 0.001) and 7 (P ≤ 0.001) but not at baseline (P = 0.306). CONCLUSIONS: The antibacterial effect of cetylpyridinium chloride was significantly greater than that of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water, and can, therefore, be used for bacterial control in the water lines of dental units.

Teachers’ view about barriers in implementing oral health education for school children: a qualitative study / As visões dos professores sobre as barreiras para a implementação da educação em saúde bucal para escolares:um estudo qualitativo

Objective: To explore the barriers encountered by primary school teachers in implementing oral health education in their settings. Material and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was answered by a sample of 89 primary schoolteachers aged 18 to 65 years, working in primary public schools in Indaiatuba, SP, Brazil. The data were quantitatively analyzed by means of Discourse of Collective Subject (DCS), which is based on a theoretical framework of Social Representations Theory. Results: The majority of teachers said they were teaching their students some oral health content. However, they reported difficulties in teaching oral health content in school, such as: the lack of material and/or appropriate activities to teach the subject of oral health properly; children do not receive oral health education at home and/or they are not encouraged by their families; students do not place any value on oral health and/or do not follow guidance provided. Teachers also expressed the need for partnerships with dental schools to help them implementing oral health projects in primary schools. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need for health and educational sectors to support primary school teachers in the implementation and maintenance of oral health education programs in schools...

Objetivo: Explorar as barreiras encontradas por professores do ensino fundamental para implementarem a educação em saúde bucal em seus ambientes de trabalho. Material e Métodos: Um questionário semiestruturado foi respondido por uma amostra de 89 professores do ensino fundamental, com idades entre 18 a 65 anos, que trabalhavam em escolas públicas do ensino fundamental do município de Indaiatuba, SP, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DCS), que apresenta como base teórica a Teoria das Representações Sociais. Resultados: A maioria dos professores afirmou que ensinavam a seus alunos algum conteúdo de saúde bucal. No entanto, relataram dificuldades para a realização desta tarefa, tais como: a falta de material e / ou atividades apropriadas disponíveis para ensinar conteúdos de saúde bucal de forma adequada; as crianças não recebem educação em saúde bucal em casa e / ou não são incentivadas por suas famílias; as crianças não atribuem qualquer valor a saúde bucal e/ou não seguem as orientações disponibilizadas. Os professores também expressaram a necessidade de parcerias com faculdades de odontologia, a fim de ajudá-los a implementar projetos de saúde bucal nas escolas de ensino fundamental. Conclusão: Os resultados ressaltam a necessidade dos setores da saúde e educação oferecerem suporte para que os professores do ensino fundamental possam implementar e manter programas de educação em saúde bucal nas escolas...

Students' Perspectives on the Educational Environment in a Caribbean dental School during Pre-clinical Years

This study aims to elicit student perspectives of the learning environment at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine dental school during their pre-clinical years of undergraduate training. A questionnaire was administered to all pre-clinical students of the dental school in 2009. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS. Library and learning resources, student-faculty-administration relationships, meaningful experience and breath-of-interest were the survey subheadings rated most favourably. Student support, flexibility and emotional climate were the survey subheadings which received the most unfavourable ratings. These findings were in congruence of that of similar studies of US and UK medical and dental Schools. Trinidadian students rated library and learning resources significantly lower than non-Trinidadian students. Males rated student-student interaction significantly higher than females. The UWI School of Dentistry needs to focus on the allocation of resources to increase student awareness of its student support systems that are available to them - especially those that deal with student stress and coping skills. It also needs to re-examine its learning environment as it pertains to flexibility.

Attitudes and behavior of dental students concerning infection control rules: a study with a10-year interval

The study compared the attitudes and behavior of 4th-year dental students regarding infection control rules in 1995 and 2005. Self-administrated questionnaires were applied to 592 students at 5 different dental schools in 1995 (n=350) and in 2005 (n=242). The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis of data. Significance level was set at p<0.05. The response rate was 90.3 percent in 1995 and 81.0 percent in 2005. There was no improvement in the use of rubber gloves (p=0.316), face masks (p=0.572) or gowns (p=0.862) between 1995 and 2005. There was a lesser frequency of the use of protective eyewear in 2005 (p<0.001). No student used the individual protection equipment correctly. There was a decrease in the sterilization of burs in 2005 when compared to 1995 (p<0.001). No student could describe the correct use of the autoclave. Disinfection and use of a dental chair barrier were done correctly by a minority of students in 1995 (2.8 percent) and 2005 (6.1 percent) (p=0.069). Most students correctly discarded perforating/cutting instruments in both years (p=0.749). The attitudes and behavior of dental students concerning infection control are worrisome. There was no improvement and, for some parameters, there was a worsening in the procedures over the time period evaluated.

Este estudo comparou as atitudes e comportamento de estudantes de odontologia do quarto ano em relação às medidas de controle de infecção em 1995 e 2005. Questionários foram aplicados a 592 estudantes em cinco diferentes faculdades de odontologia em 1995 (n=350) e 2005 (n=242). Testes de qui-quadrado e testes exatos de Fisher foram utilizados. O nível de significância estatística utilizado foi p<0,05. As taxas de respostas foram iguais a 90,3 por cento em 1995 e 81,0 por cento em 2005. Não houve melhora no uso de luvas (p=0,316), máscaras (p=0,572) ou gorros (p=0,862) entre 1995 e 2005. Houve uma diminuição na frequência do uso de óculos de proteção em 2005 (p<0,001). Nenhum estudante utilizou o equipamento de proteção individual corretamente. Houve uma diminuição no relato de esterilização de brocas em 2005 comparado com 1995 (p<0,001). Nenhum estudante foi capaz de descrever o uso correto da autoclave. Desinfecção e uso de barreira na cadeira odontológica foi corretamente realizado por uma minoria de estudantes em 1995 (2,8 por cento) e 2005 (6,1 por cento) (p=0,069). A maioria dos estudantes descartava corretamente os instrumentais pérfuro-cortantes em ambos os anos (p=0,749). As atitudes e comportamentos desses estudantes de odontologia em relação ao controle de infecção são preocupantes. Não houve melhora, e para alguns parâmetros, houve uma piora na realização desses procedimentos no período avaliado.

Histórico del proceso de creación de la Escuela de Odontología de la Universidad del Valle: primera acción investigativa de base: estudio de recursos Odontológicos en el Área sur-occidental de Colombia / Historical review of the process of creation of the Dental School of the Universidad del Valle: first base action of investigation: study of dentistry resources in the southwestern area of Colombia

Se presenta el resultado de la única Investigación Epidemiológica Cuantitativo–Cualitativa Regional e Interinstitucional que se ha realizado en América Latina como base para la fundación de una Facultad de Odontología. En 1.969, por acción integrada de la Sección de Odontología Sanitaria del Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y de Salud Publica de la Universidad del Valle y del Programa de Especialización en Odontología Sanitaria y de Salud Pública de la Escuela de Salud Pública de la Universidad de Antioquia, con la Asesoría de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud “OPS”, se llevó a cabo una investigación de campo en Odontología cuyos métodos y resultados generales, algunos de cuyos hallazgos se presentan en este manuscrito, se utilizaron como fundamento para la toma de decisiones curriculares por parte del Comité Universitario Pro Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad del Valle, “CUPFO” y por el Consejo Directivo de la Universidad para aprobar, en Junio de 1.970, la creación del Departamento de Estomatología de la División de Salud (por la Reforma Administrativa llevada a cabo en 1.968, las Facultades de disciplinas afines se agruparon en unos nuevos entes administrativos: las Divisiones. Dentro de estas, las antiguas y las nuevas Facultades pasaron a ser Departamentos) en la mencionada Alma Mater. La investigación incluyó algunos aspectos que no fueron tomados en cuenta en el Estudio de Recursos Humanos para la Salud que formó parte de la Encuesta Nacional de Morbilidad realizada en 1.965, aspectos que si se incluyeron en el Estudio de Recursos Odontológicos llevado a cabo por el Instituto Nacional para Programas Especiales de Salud, del cual el autor de la Reseña que aquí se presenta fue Asesor - Consultor y Odontólogo de trabajo de Campo en las Unidades de Cali, Santa Rosa de Cabal y Quibdó.

Results of the unique Epidemiological Quantitative - Qualitative Regional and Interinstitutional Research performed at Latin America as essential base to found a new Dental School are presented trough this paper. In 1969 by a cooperative work between the Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia and the Antioquia University Public Health and Sanitarian Dentistry Program, on the advice of the Pan American Health Dental Health (PAHO) it was carried out a field research to establish the dental health practice conditions and the data obtained were used as a baseline of curricular determination by the Pro Dental Scholl Committee at the Universidad del Valle “CUPFO”. The study took on accountsome aspects that have been neglected on the National Health Human Resources Research as part of the National Morbidity Research Study realized on 1965 but included in the Dental Health Resources Research performed by the National Special Health Resources Institute. It is necessary to clarify that the author of the present paper participated as a special member of the advisors committee and as field dentist of the Dental Health Resources Research realized by theNational Special Health Resources Institute in 1.965.

Organização curricular, evasão e repetência no curso de odontologia: um estudo longitudinal / Curriculum organization elopement and failure in a dentistry school: a longitudinal study

A evasão escolar origina problemas em qualquer etapa do ensino, principalmente em escolas públicas, pois as vagas ociosas acarretam prejuízo a toda sociedade. Neste estudo retrospectivo objetivou-se analisar o índice de evasão de acadêmicos que ingressaram entre 1992 e 1999 na Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba (UNESP) e o índice de repetência por disciplina entre 1992 e 2002, por meio de documentos - como listas de matrícula e boletins de notas dos acadêmicos - disponíveis no setor de graduação da Instituição. Os resultados são expressos em valores absolutos e relativos valendo-se da análise estatística descritiva. Constatou-se que, de um total de 640 acadêmicos que ingressaram entre 1992 e 1999, o índice médio de evasão foi de 2,19% (14), concentrado na primeira e na segunda série do curso, 50 e 42,86% do total respectivamente. Nas 30.904 matrículas em todas as disciplinas do curso entre 1992 e 2002, o índice de repetência em, pelo menos, uma delas foi de 1,68% (518), também concentrado na primeira e na segunda série, 39,18 e 43,46% do total, respectivamente. O índice de evasão encontrado pode ser considerado baixo quando comparado ao de outras áreas do conhecimento, conforme relatado em literatura; no entanto, essa taxa poderia ainda ser diminuída com a reorganização curricular, que viesse a adotar um modelo que integrasse as disciplinas básicas e clínicas logo no início do curso, além de um atendimento especial aos alunos das primeiras séries, no sentido de fixação ao ideário vocacional .

School elopement causes problems in any phase of teaching, mainly in public schools, as idle vacancies bring about impairment to all the society. In this retrospective study, the purpose was to evaluate the elopement rate of undergraduates that entered the School of Dentistry at Araçatuba's São Paulo State (UNESP) between 1992 and 1999, and the failure rate per school subject matter between 1992 and 2002 through documents - such as enrollment lists and students' reports - available at the institutions' graduation sector. The results are shown in absolute and relative values by using descriptive statistic analysis. It was possible to notice that out of the 640 undergraduates that entered college between 1992 and 1999, the average elopement rate was 2.19% (14), concentrated on the freshman and sophomore years, 50 and 42.86% of the total, respectively. As for the 30,904 registrations in all subject matters of the course between 1992 and 2002, the failure rate was, at least in one of them, 1.68% (518), also concentrated on the freshman and sophomore years, 39.18 and 43.46% of the total, respectively. The elopement rate found can be considered low when it is compared to other areas of knowledge, according to literature reports; nevertheless, this rate could still be diminished by establishing a curriculum reorganization, adopting a model that integrates basic and clinical subject matters right from the beginning of the course, and also further special service to freshmen in order to inculcate the vocational ideal .