Perspectives and student satisfaction with thesis supervision in the dental context

Abstract

Introduction: The thesis is an academic work that is constructed with the appropriate guidance and direction of a supervisor. Objective: To identify the perspectives that students and graduates have of the supervisor when carrying out their final degree projects in the dental context. Methods: A systematic review was designed that explored original sources in the Scopus, MEDLINE and SciELO databases over the last 10 years. Articles were included whose methodology involved the collection of student perspectives and satisfaction during the supervision of their undergraduate thesis. Results: Nine sources were found. Perspectives on the thesis supervisor included shared and realistic expectations; factors related to satisfaction: supervisor style, support, degree of motivation and positive experiences; as well as difficulties in the process that include the absence of timely feedback, modification of the thesis topic by the supervisor and the absence of effective supervision. Conclusions: Student perspectives regarding thesis supervision in dentistry programs are varied and expectations are considered relevant, which must be realistic and continuously shared between the supervisor and the student if the aim is to construct quality academic work and encourage research in the student.