Resumo

PINHEIRO, Isabel Alves Gomes  e  NORO, Luiz Roberto Augusto. Graduates of Dentistry: the dream of liberal profession faced with the reality of oral health. Rev. ABENO [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.1, pp. 13-24. ISSN 1679-5954.

Changes in the labor Dentistry demonstrate a transformation in the market, in practice and in the formation of dentists. A new professional is necessary to meet the health needs of society, with focus on attention to oral health with the epidemiological reality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insertion of the graduates of Dentistry in Natal -RN in the labor market and its relationship with the curriculum and continuing education activities. The survey was developed through self-administered questionnaire composed of variables related to the time of entry into the labor market, participation in postgraduate actions developed over graduation, employability and job satisfaction. Results demonstrated that the private service is also a major employer, fact that determines the professional profile and supports the great predominance of clinical disciplines in the curriculum. The student's participation in complementary activities sets up essential strategies for future job prospects, as well as curricular flexibility. Despite the transition foreseen in the prospects of universal public access to oral health transition, great efforts are needed in continuing education for dentistry to reach its valued space in society and effectively fulfill their role as health care profession.

Palavras-chave : Professional Role; Staff Development; Dentistry; Job Market; Dental Staff.