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The possible authorization of distance learning courses (EAD) for university courses in Dentistry, which has been discussed in the country since 2022, will lead to obstacles in oral health in Brazil.
It is unwise to authorize the training of dental surgeons without clinical experience, which is essential to the practical exercise of the profession, under penalty of endangering the health and welfare of patients.
As the supervisory body responsible for actions to protect the population in the area, the Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) took a public stance against this idea, from the first moment of its launch by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
Since then, several other entities representing the dental profession have joined the cause, also concerned about the poor quality of care provided by these professionals trained through distance learning courses.
Practical skills, such as the use of specific instruments, cannot be mastered without teacher supervision. Personal tutoring allows students to receive immediate instruction, helping to improve their skills.
Moreover, effective communication of patients’ needs cannot be fully developed without regular exposure to real clinical situations.
The personal environment offers students the opportunity to handle a variety of cases, preparing them for the emotional and practical challenges they will encounter in their careers.
Cooperative learning and building professional networks are essential elements that personal teaching promotes.
The exchange of experiences between students, teachers and professionals of the sector is essential for the formation of a cohesive community. This network of contacts not only enriches learning, but also serves as career support.
In studies on the authorization of EAD in Dentistry, the MEC launched a public consultation in November 2023. The result led Minister Camilo Santana to suspend authorization processes for distance learning dentistry courses for 90 days.
Although welcome, the suspension does not mean the end of the matter, as the MEC is still awaiting the finalization of the proposal to regulate the delivery of various university distance learning courses. The CFO will remain vigilant as long as this possibility is minimally considered.
Therefore, the Council put the matter up for debate during the 41st International Dental Congress (CIOSP), which took place in Sao Paulo between January 24 and 27.
The event is considered the largest in Latin America in terms of infrastructure and the largest in the world in terms of the number of participants. So it was the ideal environment for us, once again, to reaffirm our stance against the implementation of distance learning courses.
New technologies can be explored to supplement professional training, such as simulations and online resources, but not to replace personal experience.
Innovation must seek to strengthen the foundations that guarantee professionals prepared for the challenges of our country, in addition to maintaining Brazilian dentistry as the largest and best in the world.
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