This study aims to describe the experience in the course on Social Sciences Applied to Health at the Dentistry School of the Federal University in Minas Gerais (FO-UFMG). In response to the recommendations in the National Curriculum guidelines for undergraduate dentistry courses and the National Program for the Reorientation of Professional Training in Health (Pró-Saúde), since 2004 the FO-UFMG has taken steps to change its curriculum, with special attention on the diversification of learning settings. In 2007, the course on Social Sciences Applied to Health was reformatted, allowing participation by students in the Unified National Health System since the beginning of their professional training, whereby the reality and practices of the National Health System become objects of learning. This movement reinforced the expectations that such participation is feasible. The changes in the course are expected to serve as a pilot project, backing initiatives towards closer ties between students and professional practice, serving as a benchmark for the organization and planning of other public health course contents to be included in the professional training.