WORK, HEALTH AND COOPERATIVISM: THE SENSES OF WORK FOR DENTISTS FROM UNIODONTO

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the sense of work in a dentist cooperative (UNIODONTO), presenting the concept of work and unveiling the reasons that led the interviewed dentists into choosing their profession. A case study was carried out in the cooperative, involving thirteen professionals, from which five held coordinating position and five held adrninistrative positions. The results highlight the central position of work in the lives of the interviewees, who, despite having autonomy to allocate time to work and leisure, prioritize the former. They presented positive conceptions of work, which are connected to financial and personal rewards and to the-successful treatment of patients. A meaningful work evidences both the manner in which it is performed and its payoff. Besides, it must allow professional growth, the valorization, the recognition, and, consequently, the self-realization of the individual through the execution oftasks. Conversely, a meaningless work does not bring the expected reward, either financial or in terms of the results, when the latter do not correspond patients' expectations. The cooperative work developed at UNIODONTO is pointed as a fairer altemative for the profession since it allows dentists to compete in the market as part of a self-managed organization. In the cooperative, the work characteristics of the category are preserved and respected since the partners are "managed" by their own colleagues, who share the same objectives and understand the reality of the profession. The manner in which odontological work is organized is maintained, contributing to the performance of a fulfilling, rewarding work that satisfies all and, consequently, possesses a sense.