RAISE (Researching, Advancing and Inspiring Student Engagement) Conference 2024

Dedhia, B. (Presented paper)

School of Dental, Health and Care Professions

Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference

Description of Activity

Presentation on "Racial Inclusivity in Dental Education".

Period	10 Sept 2024
Event type	Conference
Location	Leicester Show on map
Degree of Recognition	National

Keywords

Dental Education
Inclusivity
racial inclusivity
Qualitative research

Documents & Links

This study explores the integration of unconscious bias and cultural competence training into the spiral curriculum of undergraduate dental schools, emphasising the need to address potential discrimination against minority students within a predominantly "white-centric" educational framework. Previous research has identified attainment gaps among minority students in health schools, highlighting the importance of incorporating decolonization in a psychosocial context to promote racial equity in higher education. Method: This is a qualitative study that consisted of semi-structured interviews of students at a dental academy.. Results: There were five themes noted around inclusivity. While direct discrimination was not overtly observed, a lack of an inclusive approach was identified as disadvantageous to students from minority backgrounds. The discussion underscores the necessity of a more mindful implementation of institutional measures to prevent inequity and disenfranchisement. Discussion: Although there are measures placed in institutions to avoid inequity or disenfranchising of students of minority backgrounds, they should be followed through with a more mindful approach.