The Extracurricular internship in dentistry: an experience report

Abstract

Introduction: The extracurricular internship in dentistry is a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their practical knowledge, develop clinical skills and gain real-world experience of the dental profession. Resolution CRO-MG nº 010/2020 establishes guidelines for the accreditation of public and private clinics and institutions, aiming at offering non-mandatory extracurricular internships in the dental field in Minas Gerais, in addition to dealing with related matters. Non-mandatory internship is one developed as an optional activity, added to the regular and mandatory workload, and can only be compared to the curricular internship if there is provision in the educational plan of the course and authorized by the Teaching Institution, which will play the role of intermediary and agreeing . Failure to comply with the rules of this regulation constitutes an ethical violation. This modality of curricular integration must consider the principles indicated in the approaches foreseen in active learning methodologies and in the legal requirements foreseen in the regulations. Objective: This report aims to inform and support undergraduate students in dentistry about performing non-mandatory internships and inform hiring professionals. Activities Developed: The search for an internship during graduation in dentistry takes place after the development of interests and objectives in the health area, in which the desire of a student for a clear knowledge of the future reality that approaches quickly. The internship began during the university vacation period after contact with a former professor at the higher education institution, who had a private clinic and performed procedures in the academic's area of interest, thus providing the opportunity for the internship. To start the internship, the requirements indicated in the main legal instruments that define standards in relation to the elements that must be covered by the intern and the supervisor were identified, the non-mandatory internship commitment terms and the internship plan given by the institution were signed, contemplating norms and perspectives of workload and effected the request of the intern's identity card to the CRO. In the learning place, it was possible to observe, monitor the activities carried out, learn from the professionals, ask questions, actively participate in the procedures and demonstrate dedication and interest in building a network of professional contacts that can help and become partners in the future. The experience was permeated by longitudinality, coordination and integrality of care from the supervisor to the intern, in addition to all the construction of a collectively constructed pedagogical project, centered on the student as the subject of learning and on the teacher as a facilitator of learning, as recommended in the Curriculum Guidelines Nationals (DCN) . Final considerations: The internship allows graduates to improve their knowledge and enrich their clinical experience. Carrying out an extracurricular internship in dentistry represents a crucial milestone in the path of development of a future professional in this field. In addition to improving practical skills, this experience offers an experience in the professional context, allowing the establishment of interpersonal relationships and learning with experienced professionals. This process also contributes to the formation of an integrated curriculum, although it must be adapted to the specific circumstances of each higher education institution, considering its particularities and norms, as well as CRO resolutions. For the intern to make the most of this opportunity and take significant steps towards a successful career in dentistry.