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RSBO (Online)

versão On-line ISSN 1984-5685

RSBO (Online) vol.8 no.3 Joinville Jul./Set. 2011

 

Guest editorial

 

Dental education and the work world

 

 

This editorial title was copied by me from the main theme of the 46th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Dental Education Association (short ABENO), occurred in the beginning of August, 2011, in Florianopolis (SC). The speed at which everything is happening around us, the social, technological, and economic advancements, make us ask what type of dentistry education is being taught and what work world is facing us. Moreover, we also ask at which velocity all this should be incorporated, otherwise, you could be knocked down by all this modernity.

The thirst for new technologies and the globalization of the production systems result in a great variety of products and ideas, which often are useless. However, we feel a need to have them, either because they are different or attractive.

The rupture (often brusque) with old concepts and systems lead us to adaptations showing unpredictable consequences in a short time future. The great misunderstanding, caused by either new materials or new techniques, in a new economic and social reality, makes the dentist leave the isolation that was always inherent to the activity: the isolation inside the office, within four walls, separated from a reality that is crucial for the carrier, nowadays. Additionally to this, there is the rapid shift in the consumer's behavior, strengthened by this same internet technology.

Twenty years ago (and believe me, this is a very little time period) there was no internet, mobile phones, and other technological paraphernalia, which shorten distances and accelerate the time. Everyone says: "You must be connected", but to what? The amount of information is so much and through so many sources, that, if you do not have good preparation and training you will end up "uninformed", or worse, obtaining false truths.

Therefore, in Dentistry field is not different. Information technology allowed that "knowledge be in the tip of your fingers", at your living room, office, or home. Today, distance learning courses enable you to update expending little money and gaining time, perhaps the most important factor, nowadays. Information and knowledge migrate among different interlocutors, mediated by different technological devices, without the need for a specific place or space, unless the virtual space.

To be updated, in Dentistry, is no longer a complex task. The big question, today, is not "What can I know?", but "How can I know?". The answers for each situation are available; you just should know where to look for. However, the major problem is the lack of skills in executing the search, as well as the vast amount of information available, often unreliable. Always keep in mind that, due to the velocity of knowledge renewal and to information dynamics, the latest data (supported by good databases, from great research centers, not affiliated with commercial companies) can satisfactorily answer your questions. However, remember: the technology will not replace the contact with the patient, the daily clinical expertise. In technological age, where people are increasingly isolated, the contact and the interaction skills are even more linked to success. Above all, Dentistry is a career of human contact, and, high technology often dehumanizes people and disconnects them from dental treatment reality, which currently is still based on highly invasive procedures.

Reading is important for professional evolution, but human relationship practices are equally or more essential. Do not lock yourself at the office; get out of the commonplace; socialize with different people with different careers; do not let the time goes by without traveling to some places. It is common to see some dentists starting the appointments at 7 a.m. and finishing at 8 p.m., from Monday to Saturday, without spending time with family and leisure. Discover that there exists life outside your office and career.

 

Luiz Carlos Machado Miguel
Coordinator of the Dentistry Course of Univille