WVU dental school takes part in climate study to elevate DEI initiatives
West Virginia University, its School of Dentistry and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) are aligned on equity. Each institution fosters a commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice. Because introspection often sparks improvement, ADEA and WVU SOD are collaborating on a climate study.
Through a confidential, online survey, leaders hope to collect feedback from the school’s internal stakeholders that will help the school be more supportive of a humanistic, inclusive, diverse and equitable environment.
Reflecting on the day set aside to celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the school’s Associate Dean of Admissions, Recruitment and Access has been eager to evaluate strengths and identify areas for improvement.
“We are respectfully encouraging School of Dentistry students, faculty and staff participation in dental education’s first ever climate survey. Borrowing from Dr. King’s words, ‘This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.’ Their voices are important,” Dr. Shelia Price said.
Survey questions are concerning well-being and engagement of all demographic groups. WVU’s dental school community is already receiving emails to encourage participation through February 18, 2022.
Information gleaned from the survey could transform the future of dental education and support the development of new and enhanced strategic initiative to further support a learning, teaching and working environment of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“This project underscores ADEA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and its responsibility and pledge to help all dental schools and dental education programs develop a better understanding of today’s landscape,” said ADEA President and CEO Dr. Karen P. West. “With the data we will collect, dental schools and programs will have valuable insights on the steps they can take to further promote inclusion, diversity and a strong sense of belonging for everyone.”
The climate study is a crucial step in ensuring that all voices in academic dentistry are heard and baseline data will be used to develop strategic initiatives at the association and campus levels of support of diversity, equity and inclusion for all persons.
“It is extremely important because we are forming healthcare providers. We would like to instill the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion for them to be better prepared to treat patients in a more comprehensive way to any community,” said Dr. Juan Bugueno, Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine and Chair of the dental school’s DEI committee.
ADEA has partnered with Nonprofit HR to facilitate the information gathering and analysis process. All full-time and part-time students, faculty, staff and administrators at accredited dental schools and allied dental programs in the United States and Canada are invited to participate.
ADEA, WVU and SOD objectives summarized below:
ADEA objective: assess observations and experiences regarding the campus climate and the way it supports diversity, equality, inclusion and social justice for all their stakeholders.
SOD DEI objective: support the principles of inclusion, social justice, intersectionality, equity and diversity while advocating for a welcoming environment in which all individuals – patients, students, staff and faculty can feel secure, free and treated with respect, dignity and nondiscrimination.
WVU DEI objective: to provide university-wide education, support, accountability and leadership on issues relating to diversity to the campus and community and be committed to foster a community that is safe and affirming for faculty, staff, students and campus visitors.