Professional development of the university teacher. A contribution for its analysis

In the background of university education and the challenges that today face university teachers in particular, the object of this study is the development of dentistry teachers analysed by looking at their professional careers.To gain access to the teachers’ representations about their teaching career, the methodological approach chosen was a qualitative and exploratory study, of a biographical nature, based on semi-structured interviews given to a group of 13 teachers. Analysis of the content enabled the professional development stages throughout the career of the group of teachers studied to be characterised.The results show that the teachers interviewed represent their career on the whole in a positive light, and despite the multiple constraints felt, they remain motivated and satisfied. The stages identified correspond to the start of teaching, preparation for their PhD and post PhD.The aim behind the characterisation of these stages is to help in the development of dentistry teachers and the creation of institutional strategies that encourage this development.