GRADUATES’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE IMPACT OF PARTICIPATION IN A STUDENT SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

Objective: To evaluate the perspectives on the investigative skills of the graduates who participated in the activities of an SCE. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 40 graduates who were members of the Scientific Society of Dentistry Students (SCEO). A scale was used that investigated the investigative skills learned: search for information, data analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, etc. Results: 50% of graduates stated that they fully agreed that the SCEO allowed them to learn new research skills. Graduates who had at least one scientific publication presented better perspectives regarding learning new research skills. The graduates considered researchers had better scores regarding the fact that participation in the SCEO contributed positively to the vision of the career. Conclusions: The graduates of a Student Scientific Society of Dentistry agree that their investigative skills, public communication skills and critical thinking improved.