Perception of Dentistry Students when Serving People with Disabilities

This study analyses the change in the perception of dental students when attending patients with disabilities (PwD). This is a longitudinal study carried out at the beginning and end of the semester through a questionnaire with 65 students of the 9th period of the Dentistry Course at UFPE. The data were studied, compared and submitted to statistical tests giving rise to tables. Positive feelings and favourable reactions were predominant. However, there are still negative situations that can be minimised, according to the interviewees, through more scientific knowledge and clinical experience of specific care for PwD. A reflection of the appreciation of this knowledge can be seen in the change in perception regarding the needs for a professional career in this speciality, which has become more of a training than a vocation.