La dirección del trabajo independiente en la disciplina curricular Morfofisiología de la carrera de Estomatología

the direction of the independent work in the discipline of morphology-physiology in dentistry studies at "pinar del rio" medical university presents deficiencies that limit the quality of the professional training in dentistry studies. objective: to determine the behavior of the direction for independent work in such discipline, and its relation to the academic performance achieved by the students. method: a descriptive, cross-sectional study in morphology-physiology in dentistry studies at "pinar del rio" medical university, during the beginning of the second term in the academic course 2009-2010. the sample was comprised of 61 students enrolled in 1st academic year (central venue), as well as the 5 professors who teach the discipline. the empiric methods used were: documentary analysis, surveys to students and professors. data were processed using the descriptive statistics and the chi-square test with a level of confidence of 95%. results: despite the professors referred that they considered the necessary elements to conduct the teaching-educational process which guarantees the correct direction of the independent work; these results did not coincide with the total of the students. a group of students considered the existence of deficiencies regarding motivation and implementation, the results did not express a significant relation to the academic performance achieved. conclusion: the need to improve the direction of the independent work in the discipline.