This paper focuses on analyzing the themes dealt with by three Brazilian dentistry magazines, during the period from 1990 to 2004. We start from the assumption that these magazines play an important role in professional formation, because they are dynamic means of publishing knowledge and, thus, they are able to influence and guide the thoughts, reflections and attitudes, thereby molding dentistry practice. A quantitative analysis of the empirical material, totaling 2,806 articles, reveals just how diverse the themes and subjects of these publications were. The five most often dealt with themes, relating to technical and professionalizing subjects, represent 52.73% of the works we analyzed. We hope to be able to contribute to a better understanding of the knowledge-building process, leading to reflection and subsequent studies that will also work as a parameter for monitoring thinking in the dental area.
periodicals; Dentistry; knowledge; scientific production indicators