This qualitative study of descriptive and exploratory nature was conducted with the aim of evaluating the contribution of university extension towards the training and life histories of dentistry students, using the focus group technique. The material was assessed using the collective subject discourse analysis technique. The results showed the impact exerted by academic experience, in extension activities within the personal, professional and active citizenship spheres. The subjects' perceptions revealed an opportunity to develop and improve their professional skills, through recognition of distinct realities of life, through breaking away from the traditional model of teaching and through fruitful relationships between students, university and society. Feelings of satisfaction, personal fulfillment, recognition and being an active and critical citizen were reported. It was concluded that experience within the field of extension is an important agent for the individual and collective process of academic training.
Higher education; Dentistry training; Focus group; Community-institution relationships