Engaging dental students and staff in diversity, equity and inclusion: participation and challenges

Bhatia, Shannu ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6363-8306, Howells, Ffion, Kaur, Mandeep and Pritchard, Manon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5135-4744 2026. Engaging dental students and staff in diversity, equity and inclusion: participation and challenges. FDJ 17 (4) , 146/151. 10.1308/rcsfdj.2026.44

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is embedded in the NHS ethos, and is a core professional requirement for all dental care professionals as outlined by the General Dental Council. Practitioners are expected to treat patients and colleagues with dignity and respect, work inclusively and provide culturally sensitive patient care. Cardiff University School of Dentistry has launched a range of voluntary DEI activities to increase awareness and understanding of our diverse patients and workforce. It is important to identify the perceived role of students and staff in participating in DEI events, and how engagement can be better facilitated. The aim of this study was to explore student and staff motivators and barriers relating to engagement in voluntary DEI activities. METHODS A cross-sectional survey-based study was undertaken following pilot survey testing to determine the perceived value, motivators and barriers with regard to participation in DEI activities. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS The survey respondents (n = 95) reported volunteering in numerous events such as widening participation activities and the Talking Teeth community initiative. Most respondents felt that these events were having a positive local impact. Students were driven by a desire to contribute to their local community whereas staff were motivated primarily by professional responsibility. The primary barrier to engagement was a lack of availability due to workload and being unaware of the events. CONCLUSIONS Students and staff recognise the value of DEI activities and are internally motivated to participate in events promoting DEI in the workplace. In order to change culture, institutions should prioritise DEI and enable people to overcome barriers to participation.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Dentistry
Publisher:	Royal College of Surgeons of England
ISSN:	2042-6852
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2026 15:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190099

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