Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that involves necessary, determinant, and modulating factors. Knowledge of such factors enables better understanding and recognition of caries disease signs and symptoms.Consequently, one may properly define the lesions degree of activity, as well as elaborate individual treatment plans, in order to achieve promotion and maintenance of welfare of the oral health. In order to overcome this public health issue, generalist professionals might be required. However, either biologist practice, or fragmented view of the professionals avoid such comprehensive action to be accomplished. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the clinical approach knowledge of graduate students from two colleges (public and private) concerning dental caries. A case report containing patient general data, photos, and radiographs were presented in a classroom for the students to point out their treatment option for each tooth. Posteriorly; a discursive question was, as well presented. The case report showed inactive caries lesions on primary teeth and active white spot caries lesions on permanent teeth. The students' responses were dichotomized for statistical analysis using chi-square test with significance 95%. Discursive responses were analyzed according to content analysis technique by floating reading categorization; and subsequent dichotomization. Response rates were 85.71% in the public college, and 92.30% in private college, which totalized 72 respondents. After x-rays evaluation and considering the diverse dynamics by which both schools perform their patient care management, it was observed that less than 10% of the public college students would perform conservative procedures in primary teeth, while at least 30% of private college students would decide for conservative procedures for all cases (p <0.001). Concerning the permanent dentition, all of the public college students would perform xiii "curative" approach. "Preventative-conservative practice" was similarly observed amongst public and private college students. Students from both schools preferred the possibility of carrying out health care preventative practice.