“Own your own narrative”: A qualitative study exploring the Black dental student experience, relationship to their institution, and sense of belonging on campus
Abstract
Dental education has, in recent years, focused renewed attention on diversity, equity, and institution at the institution level (CODA, 2016). However, despite recruitment and admissions efforts, enrollment and graduation rates for Black dental students remains stagnant. Given the lack of progress in increasing graduation rates for Black students, it is imperative to investigate the dental school environment to reveal and address inequities. The purpose of this study is to understand how Black students intuit their place within the dental profession. The study aims to understand the lived experiences of Black dental students throughout the dental education process. The findings indicate that Black dental students face significant challenges to getting their degrees, including feelings of alienation from their peers, hostility and aggression from faculty, and the additional burden of racialized trauma while enrolled. Recommendations for improving the educational environment so that it may be more welcoming and safe for Black dental students are given.
Subject
Dental students
Students, Black
Student affairs services