Evaluation of the impact of linkage with society in the case of the Odontology career of the Catholic University of Cuenca

Abstract

Introduction. The projects of connection with society, implemented by Ecuadorian universities, are an opportunity of service, and an alternative of approaching their students with society, which will allow them to feel the reality of social problems and be able to propose or provide solutions to them, beyond being the link a mere fulfillment of obligations raised by the institutions of control of higher education. But for these projects to fulfill the service function and respond to the needs of society, they must be evaluated, to make corrections or adjustments if necessary, to guarantee the success of the projects. Objective. Apply a set of indicators that measure the impact of the process of Relationship with the Society of the Dentistry career of the Catholic University of Cuenca. Methodology. The research design is analytical, descriptive, and quali-quantitative of a non-experimental type. The sample is non-probabilistic for convenience, two data collection sheets were made, for the managers and for the beneficiaries with three indicators each and two structured interviews. Results. The project improved the quality of life of 66% of the patients, the care provided was very good (58.33%), this type of project is very useful for the community (91.67%) in terms of planning as well very good (52.94%), fulfillment of the objectives (64.71%), in the level of citizen participation indicator, the project was planned jointly between the university and the beneficiary institution, following up until its completion. Conclusion. It was concluded on the importance of carrying out evaluation processes of the projects of connection with the society and the evaluated project had a positive impact on the beneficiaries.