This research aims to evaluate the importance of out-of-class experience in dentistry professional education through the perception of dentistry students and graduates who work in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). Thirty-six portfolios constructed by students from 2009 to 2014 were selected to be analyzed in this study. Additionally, five graduates who work in the SUS were interviewed regarding the contribution of this experience for their performance in the SUS. Speech analysis of the interviews was carried out using a qualitative approach with thematic content analysis. The practices in health services were valued mainly for allowing the professionals to recognize the social reality and services with their shortcomings and difficulties. In conclusion, these experiences stimulate the education of more human, ethical and reflective professionals, that are aware and potentially modifiers of the health reality whenever it diverges from SUS principles.
Dentistry Education; Teaching care integration services; Brazilian National Health System; Qualitative research