EDI Mini-Fest  

Session Outline:

Contemporary universities are actively enhancing inclusivity through initiatives such as the adoption of the Race Equality Charter and the decolonisation of curriculum.The spiral curriculum in undergraduate dental schools should be including unconscious bias training and cultural competence training. 

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. The themes were found to understand their experience of discrimination and inclusivity. 

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 the students of minority background, they should be followed through with a more mindful approach.

 Acknowledgement and acceptance of different cultures and histories within undergraduate dental education can help in inclusivity. Furthermore, active attempts should be made to ensure that there is equity and inclusivity within the cohort of students.

Session Aims:

Understand racial inclusivity in health education from student prespective.