MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH FOR ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL: A STUDYIN A BRAZILIAN DENTAL SCHOOL

This study aimed to analyze the organizational model of the Undergraduate Dental School program at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, employing mixed- method research to investigate the interrelation between organizational structure and National Curriculum Guidelines. Data were collected from institutional websites and analyzed by descriptive/exploratory statistics and Content Analysis. Founded in 1946, the School has four management instances: Coordination, Board, Dental Department and Structuring Teaching Core. Its pedagogical bases includes: contemporary/generalist dentistry, community insertion, curricular changes, integration with health management/services, permanent teacher training, sociologically organized constructivist learning, self-assessment. The curriculum presents ten semesters and 66 disciplines. Internships are predominantly intramural, while communitarian practices are offered in Public Health, extension, and some internships. Research projects focus on clinical aspects. There is high disciplinary load and limited time for complementary activities. Although the program aligns with DCN, there is a disproportion between dental/biological sciences and other knowledge areas.