Alexandria, VA, USA – A Symposium aiming to advance the science of discrimination in oral care was presented at the 102nd General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and the 48th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research, on March 13-16, 2024, in New Orleans, LA, USA.
Scholars have documented the harmful effects of discrimination in oral care settings, including: inhibiting patient utilization, undermining provider sense of belonging, and impeding trainee advancement into and through the professions. Findings from research with disparate groups can foster the conceptualization and guide the development of evidence of relationships among experiences of discrimination among dental patients, providers, and trainees, as well as their effects on oral care service delivery and utilization.
Drawing together findings from national surveys of patient and provider experiences from a mixed methods community study in Baltimore, MD, USA, and from theories of intersectional racism in health care settings and the health professions, this Symposium sought to advance the science of discrimination in oral care. Drawing on three waves of data from a nationally representative patient survey, presenters discussed trends in patient experiences of discrimination and indignity in oral care settings, reported findings from a recent national study of dental trainees experiences of discrimination within educational contexts, and examine how adult experiences of discrimination in oral care settings affects subsequent utilization. Findings were interpreted through theories of intersectional racism and empirical work on discrimination in oral and other health fields seeking to inform future research, education and training, and practice.
Organized by Sarah Raskin, the Symposium, “Patient, Provider & Student Experiences of Discrimination: Connecting Evidence” took place on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 8 a.m. Central Standard Time (UTC-6).
About IADR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. Learn more at www.iadr.org.
About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. AADOCR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of IADR. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.