Academic & Administrative Affairs

Understanding the Scope and Significance of DEI within Dental Schools

Monday, March 13, 2023

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Location: OCC - Portland Ballroom 252, Level 2

CE: 1

Micro-Credential: Promoting an Inclusive and Humanistic Learning Environment

Designation: SoTL

Presenter(s)

Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., FACD

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

PDF
Sylvia Frazier-Bowers, D.D.S, Ph.D.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
Eleanor Fleming, Ph.D., D.D.S., M.P.H., FICD

University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Todd Ester, D.D.S., M.A

University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Jeanette Sabir-Holloway, D.D.S.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Although not a new phenomenon, administrative positions known as academic diversity officers have been used to create, execute, and coordinate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives toward the cultivation of inclusive campus environments. There is growing recognition that diversity positions are necessary to foster accountable institutional change within colleges and universities. Historically, standout dental schools had long time minority affairs offices leading decades of recruitment efforts. The understanding and scope of diversity and inclusion initiatives has greatly evolved and academic diversity officers within dental schools have become more commonplace, yet also viewed with some level of hesitancy and lack of resources.

Learning Objectives:

Detail the history and evolution of the academic diversity officer role within dental education including pitfalls and promise.
Describe how to use a toolkit and template for a model forum (DOCSpeaks) for inculcation of safe spaces for cultural humility education and health equity discussions.
Define best practices for academic diversity officer strategies including student recruitment, grant writing, allyship, and the impact on dental school climate and culture.