Academic Strategy for the Continuity of Dentistry Studies under Contingency Conditions

Abstract

Introduction: Cuban medical universities align with emerging social demands of the current context and face diverse and challenging problems. Therefore, an academic strategy for the continuity of dentistry studies during the energy contingency is presented.

Objective: To design an academic strategy for the continuity of training of dentistry students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba during the energy contingency.

Method: A qualitative, cross-sectional developmental research study was conducted, based on action-participatory research methods, consisting of two stages: design-execution and evaluation. The empirical methods used were expert consultation, a socialization workshop, and a satisfaction survey for design and evaluation. A total of 118 students and 11 specialists from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba participated during the first semester of 2026.

Results: Among the specialists, 72,2 % considered the strategy highly essential. In the socialization workshop, it was valued for its contextual, flexible, dynamic, and participatory nature. Approximately 91,0 % of the students were very satisfied.

Conclusions: The strategy is technically feasible, dynamic, and contextual, as it relies on low-cost, high-impact potentialities. It responds to the current demands of Medical Education and the call of the Revolution for the continuous training of professionals in complex situations.