OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the clinical approach knowledge of graduate students from two colleges (public and private) concerning dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHOD:A case report containing patient general data, photos, and radiographs were presented for the students, which responded tests and a discursive question. Discursive answers were analyzed according to content analysis technique, and posteriorly dichotomized for statistical analysis. (Chi-square, p<0.05). RESULT: Response rates (n=72) were 85.71% in the public college, and 92.30% in the private college. After x-rays evaluation and considering the diverse dynamics by which both schools perform their patient care management, it was observed that less than 10% of the public college students would perform conservative procedures in primary teeth, while at least 30% of private college students would decide for conservative procedures for all cases (p<0.001). Concerning the permanent dentition, the majority of the public college students would perform "conservative" approach. "Preventative-conservative practice" was similarly observed amongst public and private college students. CONCLUSION:Both in public and in private college were similar curative e approaches (primary teeth) and preventative +conservative (permanent teeth).
Diagnosis; education, dental; concept formation