This study aimed to present the perceptions of curricular changes among dentistry students through the qualitative methodological approach of a case study. A total of 147 students from eight semesters participated. A qualitative research approach was used, with the focus group technique, involving eight phases of the course and addressing the main issues relating to curricular changes. Two categories were identified through content analysis: a) professional practice as care: placing value on content and dental practices in which meanings are grounded in practicing the techniques as a form of care; and b) acceptance of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) as the learning scenario. A feeling of acceptance of the curricular changes prevailed, although the dimensions of this acceptance need to be determined and the new curriculum needs to be better understood by the subjects involved in the changes, so that it does not become a formal prescriptive document.
Curriculum; Dentistry; Dental education