Program Director, Dental Public Health Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Magda A. de la Torre, RDH, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Peggy Timothe, DDS, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Ana Candia Solari Neumann, DDS, MPH, PhD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Rhonda Stokley, DDS: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Anneta Bitouni, DDS, MS, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Shirley Lewis, BDS,CAGS,MScD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Introduction: There is a need to advance oral health equity and diversity among the Oral Health profession. The Texas Recruits and Retains (TRR) Project, funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant, partnered three dental schools and the Texas Department of State Health Services to enhance the dental public health workforce. In Texas, health disparities vary among urban and rural areas, which are being addressed by the TRR project. The geographical distribution of the three dental schools also lends itself to serving a diverse population.
Methods: TRR aimed to recruit diverse cohorts of students to participate in the activities and instruction. TRR trainees conducted research on SDH and issues related to Access to Care, Dental Public Health Shortage Areas, Cultural Competency Training, and Interprofessional Education Models. Additionally, trainees participated in in-person or virtual poverty simulations.
Results: Among TRR trainees, 84% were female, with 32% of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. Forty-four percent of TRR trainees were from disadvantaged backgrounds with 46% from non-disadvantaged, 10% non-reported. To date, 15 research products including posters, abstracts, and seminars were completed. Presentations included statewide and national virtual meetings and webinars.
Conclusion: The complex issues of race, diversity, inclusion and health equity in the U.S. impacts daily interactions with others, especially when encountering persons of diverse backgrounds. To overcome these barriers, the TRR Project developed culturally competent instruction and programs to increase open-minded attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of future oral health providers.
Source of Funding: Health Resources and Services Administration
