Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.20250051
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Original Article

Geriatric dentistry in Brazilian dental education

Odontogeriatria no ensino odontológico brasileiro

Suzely Adas Saliba MOIMAZ; Gabriel Zopolatto Turci DIAS; Ronald Jefferson MARTINS; Tânia Adas SALIBA

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-2577.20250051 Rev. odontol. UNESP, vol.55, e20250051, 2026
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Abstract

Introduction: The increase in life expectancy in Brazil has led to significant changes in the population pyramid. Considering the different stages of life and the specific oral health conditions associated with older adults, adaptations in dental education curricula have become necessary.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the “Geriatric Dentistry” content included in the curricula of undergraduate dental programs in Brazil accredited by the Ministry of Education (MEC).

Material and method: This descriptive documentary analysis study used publicly available secondary data collected from the digital platforms of the MEC and higher education institutions. Based on the list obtained from the “e-MEC” website (n = 646), programs with at least one graduated class (n = 454) and available curricular structures or Pedagogical Political Projects (PPP) were included. The analyzed variables were course title, academic semester, workload, course characteristics (theoretical/practical), and classification (mandatory/elective). Variables were descriptively analyzed according to the information provided by the institutions.

Result: Of the total, 395 institutions provided curricular information for consultation, and 260 included either specific disciplines or geriatric dentistry content within related courses. Workload ranged from 20 to 300 hours, with a mean of 87.243 hours (SD = 66.12). Approximately 90% of the disciplines were mandatory, predominantly offered during the final semesters of the undergraduate program. Considerable variability was observed in course nomenclature, including cases of more than one discipline per program. Incomplete information for some variables was identified in part of the evaluated programs.

Conclusion: It was concluded that education related to oral health care for older adults in Brazilian dental schools demonstrates wide variability regarding both its inclusion and organization.

Keywords

 Geriatric dentistry; dental schools; universities; curriculum; dental education

Resumo

Introdução: O aumento da expectativa de vida no Brasil gerou mudanças na pirâmide populacional. Considerando os diferentes ciclos de vida e as especificidades das condições odontológicas nesse grupo, é necessária a adequação da formação nos cursos de Odontologia.

Objetivo: O objetivo neste estudo foi analisar os conteúdos de “Odontogeriatria” nas matrizes curriculares dos cursos de graduação em Odontologia brasileiros reconhecidos pelo Ministério da Educação (MEC).

Material e método: Trata-se de um estuo descritivo, de análise documental, com dados secundários de acesso público, realizado nas plataformas digitais do MEC e das instituições de ensino superior. A partir da lista obtida no sítio eletrônico “e-MEC” (n=646), foram incluídos na pesquisa cursos com turma formada (n=454) e informações das estruturas curriculares ou projetos políticos pedagógicos (PPP) disponíveis. Variáveis analisadas: nomenclatura, período (semestre letivo), carga horária, característica das aulas (teórica/prática) e categoria (obrigatória/optativa). As variáveis foram analisadas de forma descritiva, conforme as informações disponibilizadas pelas próprias instituições.

Resultado: Do total, 395 disponibilizaram informações curriculares para consulta e 260 apresentaram disciplinas específicas ou algum conteúdo de Odontogeriatria em disciplinas afins. A carga horária variou de 20h a 300h, com média 87,243h (dp=66,12). Aproximadamente 90% das disciplinas eram obrigatórias, com predominância do semestre ofertado na parcela final da graduação. Há grande variabilidade na nomenclatura e casos de mais de uma disciplina por curso. Observou-se ausência de informações completas para todas as variáveis em parte dos cursos avaliados.

Conclusão: Conclui-se que o ensino relacionado à saúde bucal do idoso, nos cursos de Odontologia no Brasil, apresenta ampla variabilidade quanto à sua presença e organização.

Palavras-chave

Odontologia geriátrica; Faculdades de Odontologia; universidades; currículo; educação em odontologia

References

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Submitted date:
12/18/2025

Accepted date:
05/18/2026

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