Experiences of professionalized Chilean dental educators. A qualitative study.

Introduction:The active learning process is certainly one of the most complex challenges in dental education. It essential for development critical thinking and clinical skills. There evidence need teacher professionalization, but there scarce literature reporting on positive changes teaching profession based such professionalization. The aim present study to explore experiences pedagogical performance professionalized educators dentistry. Material Methods: A qualitative was conducted using a design content analysis. sample selected convenience included dentists who have completed master's degree higher education, were part staff university program with career experience at least 5 years. Semi-structured interviews conducted, three initial dimensions: Teaching Career, Motivation Teacher Professionalization, Impact teaching-learning process. verbatim transcribed analysis performed by researchers data triangulation. research approved ethics committee. Results: Six categories established: Generational clash, Motivations practice teaching, professionalize Competences acquired after Effects professionalization classroom context, Shortcomings educator. Conclusion: Professionalized show comprehensive improvements their performance. They developed practical competences specific needs courses they give.