Implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion dialogue for second-year dental students

Dental schools can support diversity and inclusion efforts through curricula targeted at providing a safe space for students to learn from each other and about themselves. Opportunities to learn about different backgrounds can improve levels of cultural sensitivity and improve inclusion. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of a diversity dialogue tool for second-year dental students and evaluate student responses to this activity.

Following a 3-h small group diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) dialogue, students completed a 3-2-1 reflective activity to determine new ideas that they encountered, ideas they would like to try, and things that they would like to know more about.

Of the 66 students that participated in the DEI dialogue, 44 participated in the reflective activity for a response rate of 66%. Four significant new ideas were encountered including the concept of intersectionality (25%), the effects of race, racism, and identity on health (20.5), how to react to bias or discrimination (20.5%), and identity and their effect on perceptions of health and wellness (15.9). Three ideas students might try included being more open to learning about others' identity (52.3%), communicating openly with patients and peers (34.1%), and communicating calmly when dealing with bias or discrimination (13.6%). Two things students would like to know more about included how to handle situations of discrimination and bias (27.3%) and the existence of health disparities and how to address them (15.9%).

Creating an opportunity for a DEI dialogue led to students encountering new information (intersectionality; effect of bias on health), identified targeted areas of future behavioral change (open and calm communication with others), and provided insight into areas of student interest (dealing with bias and addressing health disparities).