The construction of knowledge in dentistry: the scientific production of three Brazilian magazines of 1990 to 2004

This paper aims to accomplish an analysis of the thematic approached by three dentistry Brazilian magazines, during the period of 1990 to 2004. We start from the presupposed that these magazines play an important role in the professional formation, for they are dynamic means of divulgation of knowledge and, thus, they are going to influence and guide the thoughts, the reflections and the attitudes, molding the dentistry practice. We have articulated a quantitative approach, studying 2806 articles. The analysis of the empiric material tells us that different thematic and subjects have been published; therefore, some of them have predominated, while others have appeared more discretely. The five thematic that have been more often approached refer to the technical and professionalizing subjects, reaching 52,73% of the publications. Amongst the conclusions, we point out that this research aims to contribute to the understanding of the knowledge construction process, granting reflection and after studies and also working as a parameter to follow the dentistry thinking.