Pediatric Dentistry Academic League and its university training

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary academic activities, although not part of the formal curriculum, play an essential role in the comprehensive training of students. Among them, Academic Leagues stand out as opportunities to deepen knowledge and gain practical experience. Objective: To report the contribution of the Pediatric Dentistry Academic League to university training, highlighting its role in teaching, research, and community outreach. Presentation: Organized by a faculty advisor and students, the Pediatric Dentistry League seeks to bring students closer to professional practice through early patient care, development of clinical skills, and encouragement of research. It also fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, strengthening the student–teacher relationship and civic formation. Since its creation, it has stood out for its scientific, academic, and community outreach activities, contributing to social transformation and health promotion. Conclusions: The experience of the Pediatric Dentistry Academic League demonstrates the potential of Academic Leagues in professional training, offering early clinical practice, scientific development, and community integration. The main challenges include consolidating clinical activities and expanding outreach actions, preparing students for a constantly changing labor market and contributing to population health improvement.