Los procesos de evaluación en México para los programas de licenciatura en Odontología

Abstract

The main proposals of dental schools in Mexico have been to prepare professionals able to solve dental problems of society and to produce dentists that without big problems could enter dental practice. Non of these aims have being achieved. Models of evaluation utilized have proposed different actions, recommendations, or have judged dental schools as being highly efficient. The aim of the present study was to describe, analyze and compare models utilized at present in Mexico to evaluate academic dental programs. Methodology consisted in the revision of documents, utilization of questionnaires as well as interviews with personnel being in charge of running programs being evaluated, or with people that have made recommendations about these aspects. Results show that actions and recommendations apparently have not being useful, and judgements do not reflect what in reality has being observed. Recommendations, judgements or commentaries made by different institutions or people interested in this process, in no way match, reflect or have being useful in making a better situation for the academic programs observed. Conclusions suggest that criteria and theoretical bases used by different institutions that evaluate dental schools should be homogenized. Knowledge of academic problems should allow a better preparation of future dentists. Nevertheless, without a deeper analysis could be a possible misunderstanding leading to accepted that a better professional education without any doubt should be reflected in a better quality and quantity of dental care, and consequently a better dental health. The latter should be subject of other type of evaluation.