Dental and allied dental students' cultural climate related perceptions and experiences: Does sexual orientation matter?

Purpose/ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the results of the American Dental Education Association's (ADEA) first-ever climate survey as it relates to student sexual orientation. Specifically, the objectives include comparing the responses of allied dental students who identify as heterosexual versus not heterosexual and comparing the responses of dental students who identified as heterosexual versus not heterosexual. These experiences were evaluated according to overall cultural climate, welcomeness and belonging, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, student support, and microaggressions and harassment. MethodsThe ADEA Climate Study Survey was administered from January to March 2022 to US- and Canada-based dental schools and allied dental education programs. Data were collected from US and Canadian dental schools and allied dental education programs. Continuous variables were summarized as mean and standard deviation, and categorical variables were summarized as count and percentage. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between heterosexual and nonheterosexual dental and allied dental students separately. A two-sided p value <0.05 was used to determine the significance of variables in all analyses. ResultsA total of 10.9% of allied dental student respondents identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ+) and 8.8% of dental student respondents identified as LGBQ+. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, LGBQ+ students from both institutions are less likely to recommend their program, feel less social cohesion, feel less comfortable being their authentic selves, and feel less supported in the academic environment. Compared to heterosexual respondents, LGBQ+ students in both institutions were more likely to experience microaggressions and witness and experience discrimination. ConclusionsLGBQ+ students at allied dental education institutions and dental schools have significantly different experiences in and perceptions of their education. These findings are a call to action for all allied dental program directors and dental school deans to create educational interventions that promote inclusion, provide student support, and reduce discrimination.