“Creating my first article”: introducing dentistry students to the world of scientific publishing

Abstract

This article reports on a university extension activity carried out in 2024 with undergraduate students from the Faculty of Dentistry at IAES (Amazonas Institute of Higher Education), aiming to foster scientific writing among students from all academic years. The initiative was structured through in-person and online meetings over the course of one academic semester, involving 20 participants interested in scientific research. The methodology was based on participatory dynamics and a problematizing approach, combining theory and practice through lectures, workshops, group discussions, and individual guidance. Students were organized into thematic groups with the challenge of developing and submitting scientific articles. They received guidance on text structure, selection of methodological designs, journal criteria, and the use of reliable academic databases. Throughout the process, key academic writing skills such as clarity, textual cohesion, and methodological rigor were notably enhanced. The results demonstrate a strengthening of scientific writing skills, increased interest in research, and integration of theory and practice. The experience also reinforced the role of university extension as a promoter of innovative educational practices. It is concluded that the initiative significantly contributed to the students’ critical and reflective academic development, and its continuation and replication in other health-related courses is recommended.