[Coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program and factors associated with the performance of dental procedures in Brazil, from 2007 to 2011: an ecological study]. / Cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família e fatores associados à realização de procedimentos odontológicos no Brasil, entre 2007 e 2011: um estudo ecológico.

In Brazil, there has been an expansion of the coverage of dental services in primary health care (PHC), and the focus of the services has changed to include more efforts in prevention and diagnosis. However, little is known about the influence of the coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer program on the use of dental services. Our study evaluates the association between municipal coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program and the use of dental services. This ecological study conducted with data from the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities estimates, via logistic regressions, the impact of the coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer program, the Family Health Strategies (FHS), and the oral health teams on the number of restoration, colective, prevention, and dental extraction procedures performed by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) between the periods 2007/2008 and 2010/2011. The percentage of municipalities that increased the rates of prevention, colective, restoration, and extraction procedures was 46%, 59.8%, 52.5%, and 44.2%, respectively. In the adjusted model, municipalities with increased coverage of Brazilian Income Transfer program were less likely to increase colective (OR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.79-1.04) and prevention (OR = 0.92; 95%CI: 0.80-1.05) procedures, and they were more likely to increase rates of restoration (OR = 1.11; 95%CI: 0.97-1.28) and dental extraction (OR = 1,10; 95%CI: 0.95-1.27) procedures. The increase in the coverage rate of the oral health teams was significantly associated with a higher chance of an increase in prevention, restoration, and extraction procedures. We conclude that the coverage of oral health teams was the main variable associated with the increase in dental procedures performed in the public service.

No Brasil, houve expansão da cobertura de serviços odontológicos na atenção primária à saúde (APS), e a ênfase do trabalho dos profissionais mudou para incluir mais esforços na prevenção e no diagnóstico. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre a influência da cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família no uso desses serviços. Esta pesquisa avaliou a associação entre cobertura municipal do Programa Bolsa Família e uso de serviços odontológicos. Este estudo ecológico, realizado com dados dos 5.570 municípios brasileiros, estimou, por meio de regressões logísticas, o impacto da variação de cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família, das Estratégias Saúde da Família (ESF) e das equipes de saúde bucal (EqSB) no número de procedimentos odontológicos restauradores, coletivos, preventivos e exodontias realizados via Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) entre os períodos 2007/2008 e 2010/2011. Os percentuais de municípios em que houve aumento das taxas de procedimentos preventivos, coletivos, restauradores e exodontias foram de 46%, 59,8%, 52,5% e 44,2%, respectivamente. No modelo ajustado, em municípios com maior cobertura do Bolsa Família houve menos chances de aumentar a ocorrência de procedimentos coletivos (OR = 0,91; IC95%: 0,79-1,04) e preventivos (OR = 0,92; IC95%: 0,80-1,05) e mais chances de elevar as taxas de procedimentos restauradores (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 0,97-1,28) e exodontias (OR = 1,10; IC95%: 0,95-1,27). A expansão na taxa de cobertura das EqSB esteve associada significativamente a uma chance maior de aumento do número de procedimentos preventivos, restauradores e exodontias. Conclui-se que a cobertura das EqSB foi a principal variável associada à ampliação da quantidade de procedimentos odontológicos realizados no serviço público.

En Brasil, hubo una expansión de la cobertura de servicios odontológicos en la atención primaria a la salud, y el énfasis del trabajo de los profesionales cambió para incluir más esfuerzos en la prevención y en el diagnóstico. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la influencia de la cobertura del Programa Bolsa Familia en el uso de los servicios odontológicos. El presente estudio evaluó la asociación entre la cobertura municipal del Programa Bolsa Familia y uso de servicios odontológicos. Un estudio ecológico realizado con datos de los 5.570 municipios brasileños estimó, a través de regresiones logísticas; el impacto de la variación de cobertura del Programa Bolsa Familia, de las Estrategias de Salud de la Familia (ESF) y de los equipos de salud bucal (EqSB) en el número de procedimientos odontológicos restauradores, colectivos, preventivos y exodoncias realizados a través del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) entre los períodos 2007/2008 y 2010/2011. El porcentaje de municipios que aumentaron las tasas de procedimientos preventivos, colectivos, restauradores y exodoncias fue del 46 %, 59,8 %, 52,5 % y 44,2 %, respectivamente. En el modelo ajustado, los municipios con aumento de la cobertura de Programa Bolsa Familia tuvieron menos probabilidades de aumentar procedimientos colectivos (OR = 0,91; IC95%: 0,79-1,04), y preventivos (OR = 0,92; IC95%: 0,80-1,05), y más probabilidades de aumentar las tasas de procedimientos restauradores (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 0,97-1,28) y exodoncias (OR = 1,10; IC95%: 0,95-1,27). El aumento en la tasa de cobertura de EqSB se asoció significativamente con una mayor probabilidad de aumento en procedimientos preventivos, restauradores y exodoncias. Se concluye que la cobertura de las EqSB fue la principal variable asociada al aumento de los procedimientos odontológicos realizados en el servicio público.

Challenges in operationalizing conceptual models in aetiological research.

Conceptual or theoretical models are crucial in developing causal hypotheses and interpreting study findings, but they have been underused and misused in aetiological research, particularly in dentistry and oral epidemiology. Good models should incorporate updated evidence and clarify knowledge gaps to derive logical hypotheses. Developing models and deriving testable hypotheses in operational models can be challenging, as seen in the four examples referred to in this commentary. One challenge concerns the theoretical validity of the model, while another relates to difficulties in operationalizing abstract concepts. A third challenge refers to the lack of sufficient information in the dataset to test partially or even the whole model. Finally, a common challenge is the application of a conceptual model to different contexts. Among the existing methodological approaches to operationalize conceptual models, causal graphs may be helpful, especially when combined with approaches from diverse disciplinary fields via triangulation.

Association between cash transfer programs and oral health-A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this scoping review are to assess the literature investigating the association between cash transfer programs and oral health; and to identify the theoretical frameworks applied to guide this literature. METHODS: A search strategy to identify studies published until December 2020 was applied to a range of databases. Observational and interventional studies that had cash transfer programs as exposure/intervention and oral health as outcome were considered. Dental health services utilization, as well as access to dental health services, were considered secondary outcomes. Cash transfer programs were considered programs based on conditional or unconditional cash transfer carried out as part of national social protection schemes, and interventional studies on the impact of cash transfer on oral health were also considered eligible. Data charting was performed in two steps and a narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Of 6344 articles identified, four articles were included. These articles investigated three different conditional cash transfer programs, Universal Child Allowance (Argentina), Bolsa Família (Brazil) and Family Rewards (USA). Inconsistencies were identified in findings on the effect of conditional cash transfer programs on the prevalence of dental caries and these differences may be due to the comparison group selected for each study. Concerning dental visits, the results point in different directions, which makes these findings still inconclusive. No explicit theoretical framework was reported in the articles to guide the expected association. CONCLUSION: Although cash transfers play an important role in improving certain health outcomes, there is limited evidence to suggest an association between cash transfers and oral health.

Cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família e fatores associados à realização de procedimentos odontológicos no Brasil, entre 2007 e 2011: um estudo ecológico / Coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program and factors associated with the performance of dental procedures in Brazil, from 2007 to 2011: an ecological study / Cobertura del Programa Bolsa Familia y factores asociados a la realización de procedimientos odontológicos en Brasil, entre 2007 a 2011: un estudio ecológico

Resumo: No Brasil, houve expansão da cobertura de serviços odontológicos na atenção primária à saúde (APS), e a ênfase do trabalho dos profissionais mudou para incluir mais esforços na prevenção e no diagnóstico. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre a influência da cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família no uso desses serviços. Esta pesquisa avaliou a associação entre cobertura municipal do Programa Bolsa Família e uso de serviços odontológicos. Este estudo ecológico, realizado com dados dos 5.570 municípios brasileiros, estimou, por meio de regressões logísticas, o impacto da variação de cobertura do Programa Bolsa Família, das Estratégias Saúde da Família (ESF) e das equipes de saúde bucal (EqSB) no número de procedimentos odontológicos restauradores, coletivos, preventivos e exodontias realizados via Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) entre os períodos 2007/2008 e 2010/2011. Os percentuais de municípios em que houve aumento das taxas de procedimentos preventivos, coletivos, restauradores e exodontias foram de 46%, 59,8%, 52,5% e 44,2%, respectivamente. No modelo ajustado, em municípios com maior cobertura do Bolsa Família houve menos chances de aumentar a ocorrência de procedimentos coletivos (OR = 0,91; IC95%: 0,79-1,04) e preventivos (OR = 0,92; IC95%: 0,80-1,05) e mais chances de elevar as taxas de procedimentos restauradores (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 0,97-1,28) e exodontias (OR = 1,10; IC95%: 0,95-1,27). A expansão na taxa de cobertura das EqSB esteve associada significativamente a uma chance maior de aumento do número de procedimentos preventivos, restauradores e exodontias. Conclui-se que a cobertura das EqSB foi a principal variável associada à ampliação da quantidade de procedimentos odontológicos realizados no serviço público.

Abstract: In Brazil, there has been an expansion of the coverage of dental services in primary health care (PHC), and the focus of the services has changed to include more efforts in prevention and diagnosis. However, little is known about the influence of the coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer program on the use of dental services. Our study evaluates the association between municipal coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program and the use of dental services. This ecological study conducted with data from the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities estimates, via logistic regressions, the impact of the coverage of the Brazilian Income Transfer program, the Family Health Strategies (FHS), and the oral health teams on the number of restoration, colective, prevention, and dental extraction procedures performed by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) between the periods 2007/2008 and 2010/2011. The percentage of municipalities that increased the rates of prevention, colective, restoration, and extraction procedures was 46%, 59.8%, 52.5%, and 44.2%, respectively. In the adjusted model, municipalities with increased coverage of Brazilian Income Transfer program were less likely to increase colective (OR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.79-1.04) and prevention (OR = 0.92; 95%CI: 0.80-1.05) procedures, and they were more likely to increase rates of restoration (OR = 1.11; 95%CI: 0.97-1.28) and dental extraction (OR = 1,10; 95%CI: 0.95-1.27) procedures. The increase in the coverage rate of the oral health teams was significantly associated with a higher chance of an increase in prevention, restoration, and extraction procedures. We conclude that the coverage of oral health teams was the main variable associated with the increase in dental procedures performed in the public service.

Resumen: En Brasil, hubo una expansión de la cobertura de servicios odontológicos en la atención primaria a la salud, y el énfasis del trabajo de los profesionales cambió para incluir más esfuerzos en la prevención y en el diagnóstico. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la influencia de la cobertura del Programa Bolsa Familia en el uso de los servicios odontológicos. El presente estudio evaluó la asociación entre la cobertura municipal del Programa Bolsa Familia y uso de servicios odontológicos. Un estudio ecológico realizado con datos de los 5.570 municipios brasileños estimó, a través de regresiones logísticas; el impacto de la variación de cobertura del Programa Bolsa Familia, de las Estrategias de Salud de la Familia (ESF) y de los equipos de salud bucal (EqSB) en el número de procedimientos odontológicos restauradores, colectivos, preventivos y exodoncias realizados a través del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) entre los períodos 2007/2008 y 2010/2011. El porcentaje de municipios que aumentaron las tasas de procedimientos preventivos, colectivos, restauradores y exodoncias fue del 46 %, 59,8 %, 52,5 % y 44,2 %, respectivamente. En el modelo ajustado, los municipios con aumento de la cobertura de Programa Bolsa Familia tuvieron menos probabilidades de aumentar procedimientos colectivos (OR = 0,91; IC95%: 0,79-1,04), y preventivos (OR = 0,92; IC95%: 0,80-1,05), y más probabilidades de aumentar las tasas de procedimientos restauradores (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 0,97-1,28) y exodoncias (OR = 1,10; IC95%: 0,95-1,27). El aumento en la tasa de cobertura de EqSB se asoció significativamente con una mayor probabilidad de aumento en procedimientos preventivos, restauradores y exodoncias. Se concluye que la cobertura de las EqSB fue la principal variable asociada al aumento de los procedimientos odontológicos realizados en el servicio público.

Prevalence of malocclusion in early childhood and its associated factors in a primary care service in Brazil / Prevalência de maloclusões na primeira infância e fatores associados em um serviço de atenção primária no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated factors of children cared for by a PHC Service in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort, carried out in 12 Health Care Practices. Of the 414 children in the cohort examined, 268 were assessed for malocclusion. The presence of anterior open bite, posterior and anterior crossbite was evaluated by the criteria of Foster and Hamilton. Socioeconomic variables, breastfeeding habits and pacifier use information were collected through a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach by Poisson Regression with robust variance. Results out of the total 268 evaluated, 135 (50.4%) were boys, and the average age was 28.6 (± 11.9) months. Out of the 143 (53.4%) cases of malocclusion, 113 were anterior open bite, 16 were anterior crossbite, 27 were posterior crossbite, and 38 had increased overjet. In the final analysis, it was observed that there was a higher prevalence of malocclusion in children who never breastfed (PR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.00-2.08) and who always used a pacifier to sleep (PR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.14-2.86). Conclusion the prevalence of malocclusion in this population was high and was associated with behavioral habits, such as the use of pacifier and not breastfeeding.

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar a prevalência de maloclusões e seus fatores associados em crianças atendidas em um Serviço de APS de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Método estudo transversal aninhado a uma coorte, realizado em 12 Unidades de Saúde. Das 414 crianças da coorte examinadas, 268 foram examinadas para maloclusão. A presença de mordida aberta anterior, mordida cruzada posterior e anterior foi avaliada pelos critérios de Foster e Hamilton. Variáveis socioeconômicas, hábitos de amamentação e informações sobre o uso de chupeta foram coletados por meio de questionário padronizado. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de uma abordagem hierárquica por Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados do total de 268 avaliados, 135 (50,4%) eram meninos e a média de idade foi de 28,6 (± 11,9) meses. Dos 143 (53,4%) casos de maloclusão, 113 eram mordida aberta anterior, 16 eram mordida cruzada anterior, 27 eram mordida cruzada posterior e 38 tinham overjet acentuado. Na análise final, observou-se que houve maior prevalência de maloclusões em crianças que nunca foram amamentadas (RP = 1,44; IC95% 1,00-2,08) e que sempre usaram chupeta para dormir (RP = 1,81; IC95% 1,14 -2,86). Conclusão a prevalência de maloclusões nesta população foi elevada e esteve associada a hábitos comportamentais, como o uso de chupeta e a não amamentação.

Prevalence of malocclusion in early childhood and its associated factors in a primary care service in Brazil.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated factors of children cared for by a PHC Service in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort, carried out in 12 Health Care Practices. Of the 414 children in the cohort examined, 268 were assessed for malocclusion. The presence of anterior open bite, posterior and anterior crossbite was evaluated by the criteria of Foster and Hamilton. Socioeconomic variables, breastfeeding habits and pacifier use information were collected through a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach by Poisson Regression with robust variance. RESULTS: out of the total 268 evaluated, 135 (50.4%) were boys, and the average age was 28.6 (± 11.9) months. Out of the 143 (53.4%) cases of malocclusion, 113 were anterior open bite, 16 were anterior crossbite, 27 were posterior crossbite, and 38 had increased overjet. In the final analysis, it was observed that there was a higher prevalence of malocclusion in children who never breastfed (PR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.00-2.08) and who always used a pacifier to sleep (PR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.14-2.86). CONCLUSION: the prevalence of malocclusion in this population was high and was associated with behavioral habits, such as the use of pacifier and not breastfeeding.

Motivational interviewing for preventing early childhood caries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review with meta-analysis was performed to assess whether motivational interviewing (MI) is effective in the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) and to examine potential sources of heterogeneity. METHODS: Interventions based on motivational interviewing were considered eligible. The main outcome was new caries lesions (some studies included white-spot lesions in total count), and secondary outcomes included caregivers' oral health knowledge, home-care behaviours, plaque index, gingival index and fluoride varnish applications. Controls were any type of oral health education or negative controls without any specific intervention. RESULTS: From a total of 1498 studies identified in the databases search, 1078 were assessed for eligibility by reading titles and abstracts, after removal of duplicates. Full-text screening was performed in 61 articles, with 18 reporting on 14 different studies included in the qualitative synthesis and 8 in the quantitative synthesis (four studies included new white-spot lesions in total count). Subgroup analysis was performed by the control group dmft/dmfs and the test for subgroup differences suggests that there is a subgroup effect (P = .06), so population caries experience modifies the effect of MI-based intervention. In populations with high caries experience, the MI-based approach proved preventing an average of 3.15 (95% CI: -6.14, -0.17) dmfs in young children. In samples with low caries experience, differences were smaller, since the caries levels were already lower (-0.31; 95% CI: -0.63, 0.00). CONCLUSION: Motivational interviewing has the potential to modify knowledge and behaviours and reduce ECC with a more significant impact on children with high caries experience.

Motivational interviewing effects on caries prevention in children differ by income: A randomized cluster trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the differential preventive effect of motivational interviewing (MI) on early childhood caries (ECC) according to socioeconomic variables, using a community-based trial in a public healthcare setting. METHODS: A cluster-randomized, double-blind study with two parallel groups in healthcare clinical settings (HCCs) comparing conventional oral health education (CE) and MI aimed at mothers of children born in 2013 and 2014. The oral health team of 6 of the 12 HCCs were trained in MI. This training was intensive for active learning of the basic MI principles, conducted by a psychologist who is a PhD in psychiatry and has extensive experience in conducting MI training workshops. It was held in an experiential format divided into two 4-hour shifts, with a 1-week interval. Children who attended at least one dental visit in the first year of life at their HCC were clinically evaluated by trained examiners and parents responded to a questionnaire. The effect of MI on the caries outcome compared with CE was evaluated in different subgroups: family income, mother's education and skin colour. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-six were included in the CE group and 228 in the MI group. The caries rate per 100 surface-year was 1.29 (95%CI: 0.92-1.80) in the CE group and 0.46 (95%CI: 0.29-0.73) in the MI group. The effect of MI was statistically significant in the lower-income category (P = .03); MI prevented 57% of carious lesions (IRR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.83) and reduced the occurrence of the disease on more than one surface per 100 followed surface-year in this same category in the equivalent income subgroup (IRD = -1.37, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Motivational interviewing had a greater preventive effect against caries in children whose families are of lower income.

Atividade antimicrobiana de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni e de adoçantes não calóricos sobre bactérias cariogênicas: estudo in vitro / Antimicrobial activity of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and non-caloric sweeteners on cariogenic bacteria: in vitro study

Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da planta Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni e de adoçantes não calóricos sobre o crescimento de Streptococcus mutanse Lactobacillus casei, micro-organismos cariogênicos presentes na cavidade bucal. Materiais e método: o estudo foi realizado utilizando as cepas padrões de S.mutans (UA159) e L. casei (ATCC7469). Foram avaliados diferentes compostos não calóricos substitutos dasacarose nas concentrações de 1%, 5% e 10%: eritritol(ER), Fit Sucralose® (SU), Stevita® (ST), solução de Steviarebaudiana Bertoni (SSr) e, como controle positivo,digluconato de clorexidina (DC). A análise do efeito inibitório desses compostos no crescimento das bactériasfoi feita por meio da técnica de difusão em ágar. Resultado:observou-se que existe um efeito inibitório decrescimento de ambos os micro-organismos por parte da SSr e do ER, enquanto os demais adoçantes testa dosnão tiveram efeito inibitório sobre esses micro-organismos.Conclusão: os resultados demonstram que SSR eER apresentam efeito inibidor no crescimento das cepastestadas de S. mutans e L. casei. (AU)

Objective: The study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant and non-caloric sweeteners on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, which are cariogenic microorganisms present in the oral cavity. Materials and method: The study was conducted using the standard strains of S. mutans (UA159) and L. casei (ATCC7469). Different non-caloric compounds were evaluated at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10%: erythritol (ER), Fit Sucralose™ (SU), Stevita™ (ST), Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni solution (SSr), and chlorhexidine digluconate (CD) as positive control. The inhibitory effect of these compounds on the growth of bacteria were analyzed by the agar diffusion technique. Result: There was a growth inhibition effect for both microorganisms by SSr and ER, whereas the other sweeteners tested had no inhibitory effect on the microorganisms. Conclusion: The results showed that SSr and ER present an inhibitory effect on the growth the strains tested of S. mutans and L. casei. (AU)

Motivational Interviewing in Preventing Early Childhood Caries in Primary Healthcare: A Community-based Randomized Cluster Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in preventing early childhood caries compared with conventional oral health education. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve health care units in southern Brazil were randomly allocated in 2 groups of 6 and professionals in 1 group were trained in motivational interviewing. The mothers/children and external examiners were blinded to the intervention. The data were collected by calibrated examiners using questionnaires and a clinical examination based on modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. Of the 674 children born in the catchment area in the year 2013, 469 received the intervention (224 in the conventional oral health education group, 245 in the motivational interviewing group), and 320 were examined by the end of the study (145 in the conventional oral health education group, 175 in the motivational interviewing group), with mean age of 30 months. The final follow-up was 68%, after 3 years. RESULTS: Mean of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces at the end of the study period for the whole sample was 1.34 (95% CI 0.97-1.71). The caries rate per 100 surface-year in the conventional oral health education group was 1.74 (95% CI 1.14-2.34) and in the motivational interviewing group, it was 0.92 (95% CI 0.63-1.20). To correct for clustering effect and unbalanced factors, multilevel Poisson regression was fitted and the effect of motivational interviewing on the incidence rate ratio was 0.40 (95% CI 0.21-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: An intervention based on the principles of motivational interviewing style was more effective in reducing the number of surfaces affected by early childhood caries compared with conventional oral health education intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02578966, Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR-8fvwxq.

Avaliação da qualidade de aprendizagem no ambiente virtual (Moodle) em saúde bucal, na perspectiva dos discentes / Evaluation of the learning quality in the virtual environment (Moodle) in oral health, in the students' perspective

A oferta de cursos a distância implica no acompanhamento e na avaliação de seu processo de ensino. A avaliação de processos educacionais visa capturar suas lacunas e permitir, através de um ciclo de reflexão e ação estratégica, avançar na qualidade de sua construção. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a percepção da qualidade do processo de aprendizagem realizada por meio de pesquisa de opinião. Participaram 332 alunos concluintes de seis cursos de educação permanente a distância em áreas obrigatórias aos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas. O instrumento utilizado foi o Constructivist On-Line Learning Environment Survey (COLLES), que consiste em 24 questões agrupadas em seis dimensões: relevância, reflexão crítica, interação, apoio dos tutores, apoio dos colegas e compreensão. As respostas foram em escala do tipo Likert, de cinco pontos, variando de quase nunca a quase sempre. Os dados foram computados e apresentados como frequências absolutas e relativas. Os resultados revelaram que, para maioria (85,3%) dos participantes, os cursos foram relevantes para a prática da profissão. A reflexão crítica foi realizada frequentemente (43,2%) sobre o conteúdo do curso. De acordo com 39,1% dos estudantes, o tutor estimulou a reflexão sobre as atividades do curso. Resultados piores foram obtidos em interatividade, dimensão na qual apenas 13,5% se dispuseram a explicar suas ideias e 44,3% quase nunca pediram explicações sobre as ideias dos colegas. O estudo permitiu observar que os alunos percebem favoravelmente quatro das seis dimensões, entretanto há necessidade de reorientação das atividades para melhoria da interatividade e de movimento colaborativo (AU).

The offer of distance learning courses implies in the monitoring and evaluation of its educational processes, which aim to capture its gaps and allow, by means of a cycle of reflection and strategic action, to advance the quality of its development. The objective of this study was to describe students' perception regarding the quality of learning process carried out through an opinion survey. Participants were 332 graduate students from six distance learning education courses in mandatory areas of the Dental Specialties Centers. The instrument used was the Constructivist On-Line Learning Environment Survey (COLLES) with 24 questions and six dimensions: relevance, critical reflection, interaction, tutorial support, peer support, and understanding. Responses were on five-points Likert scale, ranging from almost never to almost always. Data were analyzed and presented as absolute and relative frequencies. Results revealed that for most of the participants (85.3%) the courses were relevant to their professional practices. Critical reflection was often (43.2%) carried out about the content of the courses. According to 39.1% of the students, the tutor encouraged them to reflect on the course activities. Worse results were obtained in interactivity, a dimension in which only 13.5% were willing to explain their ideas and 44.3% almost never asked for explanations regarding colleagues' ideas. This study observes that the students perceive favorably four of the six dimensions. However, it is necessary to reorganize the activities in order to improve interactivity and collaboration (AU).