Diversity in allied dental programs and community colleges

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Student Affairs
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Student retention is a significant challenge for higher education institutions.
• Colleges face daily hurdles with student belonging and retention.
• The academic environment can be a significant adjustment for incoming students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address predicted shortages of minority healthcare providers by recruiting and retaining a diverse allied dental workforce.
• To identify strategies for recruiting underrepresented minority (URM) students into health professions.
• To understand the impact of URM faculty on URM student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.
• To implement best practices for overall minority student success.

Main Methods:

• This study synthesized existing research and identified best practices.
• Qualitative and quantitative data on student experiences and faculty impact were analyzed.
• Strategies for recruitment and retention were evaluated based on their effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Faculty tone and campus climate significantly influence classroom success.
• A strong sense of belonging is crucial for student success.
• Relationships with faculty, especially those from diverse backgrounds, can positively moderate student success.
• Effective strategies can enhance URM student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.

Conclusions:

• Positive faculty-student interactions and a supportive campus climate are vital for student retention.
• Investing in strategies that foster belonging and support URM students is essential for diversifying the healthcare workforce.
• The influence of underrepresented minority faculty is critical for the success of URM students.