ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MARKETING TEACHING IN BRAZIL: A NATIONAL CROSS-SECTION OF UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL CURRICULA

Abstract

Background: Whether to work in the public or private sector, developing entrepreneurship skills is essential. This study analyzes the Brazilian dental schools that contain entrepreneurship and marketing subjects within the undergraduate curricula. Methods: A national cross-section of all active dental schools’ curricula was explored between June–December 2021. Data were collected about the demographic region, administrative regime, and presence of the entrepreneurship and marketing subjects. Concerning the subjects, collection variables included academic semesters, hourly loads, and modalities (mandatory or optional). Associations were tested using the chi-square test at p<0.05 and Z-test with a Bonferroni Correction. Results: The sample of this study comprised 563 curricula, of which 127 (22.6%) contained the entrepreneurship subject, and 64 (11.4%) contained the marketing subject. There was no statistically significant difference between the administrative system and the entrepreneurship (p=0.43) or marketing (p=0.48) subjects. A statistically significant difference was present between the demographic region and the marketing subject (p=0.009). Post hoc analysis revealed a statistically significant difference concerning the Southeast region (p=0.0003). Conclusions: The role of entrepreneurship and marketing subjects is underestimated in Brazilian dental schools. The entrepreneurial profile of future dentists should be more carefully considered, especially through the inclusion of stand-alone subjects.