Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the variation of learning styles in dental students from the first to the fifth year at the Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción campus (Chile).

Method:

A descriptive and transversal study was conducted where The Honey-Alonso learning style questionnaire was given to 535 students. The average scores observed in each course underwent regression curve type studies and the standard deviation of each average over the fitted regression curve was estimated with its corresponding confidence interval and determination coefficient.

Results:

The active, reflective and pragmatic style presented a fluctuating development as the academic years progressed; with the exception of the theoretical style, which demonstrated a steady increase. All learning style scores increased in the fifth year.

Conclusion:

Upon reaching the higher levels, there is a development of all learning styles, which means that students adapt to learning through different strategies and have the capacity to adapt to different situations, which facilitate learning. However, we suggest that dentistry, as a clinical career, should promote the active and reflective styles, because they would be the most beneficial in helping students to develop the skills required to successfully face clinical experiences in their practice period, or within the clinical workforce.

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