Teaching in pediatric dentistry and university social responsibility in specialist training

Abstract

Introduction: Education in pediatric dentistry is an essential axis to respond to the oral health needs of children in Mexico and Latin America. The training of specialists not only addresses clinical demand, but must also be linked to university social responsibility, equity in access to knowledge, and care in vulnerable contexts. Objective: To analyze the role of teaching in the training of specialists in pediatric dentistry from a humanistic, scientific, and socially responsible perspective, highlighting its community impact and its alignment with national policies on science, humanities, and technology. Topic presentation: Based on the experience of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialty at the University of Guadalajara, this paper reflects on the importance of postgraduate teaching practice as a driver of social transformation. It discusses pedagogical strategies that integrate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in community settings, strengthening university social responsibility. It also emphasizes the need to generate applied knowledge and projects that address oral health problems in childhood and adolescence. Conclusions: Teaching in pediatric dentistry, guided by humanistic and ethical principles, is a key tool for professional and social development. Its impact is reflected in the training of specialists capable of influencing children’s quality of life and contributing to community well-being, consolidating university social responsibility as an integral part of academic and clinical practice.