Orofacial harmonization and teaching: scenario analysis in southern Brazil.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the curricular structures of Dentistry courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), in the south of Brazil, regarding the subjects offered in orofacial harmonization (HOF), and the inclusion of the specialty in the structure. Methods: the curricula of all undergraduate courses in Dentistry were analyzed, from the HEIs registered and active on the digital platform of the Ministry of Education (MEC) in the National Register of Courses and Higher Education Institutions, in the southern states of Brazil - Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Santa Catarina (SC) and Paraná (PR). The subjects were evaluated according to the nature of the institutions (public or private), moment of the course in which the curricular component is offered (year/semester), nature of teaching (theoretical, practical or theoretical-practical), total workload and availability of menu. Results: 82 undergraduate courses in Dentistry in the southern region of Brazil. Regarding the inclusion of HOF, 16 HEIs presented the specialty as a curricular component. The distribution is 4, 7 and 5 in RS, SC and PR, respectively. Regarding the nature of the curricular component, 56.25% of the HEIs evaluated have the HOF discipline included in their curricular matrix as mandatory within the course. The workload varied from 20 to 80 hours among the HEIs investigated. Regarding the course period, none of the HEIs offer it in the initial periods (1st and 2nd year) and the most common period of offer is from the 4th year onwards. Conclusion: It is concluded that the insertion of the specialty is discreet in the southern region of the country.