Diversity, Equity and Inclusion update
A joint submission by Dean of the School of Dentistry, David C. Sarrett, D.M.D., M.S., and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Carlos Smith, D.D.S., M.Div.
At the School of Dentistry, we value a professional, ethical, inviting, and supportive atmosphere for all. Our purpose is to create and maintain an academic health care community where every member is respected and valued by appreciating differences in ways that allow people to understand, be understood, and work together productively. Diversity recognizes that each individual is unique. Equity promotes justice, impartiality, and fairness. Inclusion leverages diversity to ensure all individuals can fully participate and perform their best.
The School of Dentistry has continued the process of ensuring the reaffirmation of the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and their far reaching effects across our dental education and clinical practice communities. Dean Sarrett hosted a virtual town hall listening session in early June 2020, specifically with the goal of giving a greater voice to all stakeholders in the School of Dentistry community as it relates to issues pertaining to inclusion, belonging and addressing racism. It is important to note that our reaffirmation of the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion comes alongside and enriches our continued tradition of clinical excellence, not in lieu of. History and current research supports our belief that this work is not only valuable for underrepresented and marginalized communities. A diverse and inclusive environment enhances learning, opportunities, and possibilities for us all.
What We’ve Accomplished (Short-Term Goals)
- Appointment of a DEI Officer – An inaugural appointment of Dr. Carlos Smith as Director of DEI was made. In this role, the director has oversight for all diversity, equity and inclusion activities that support students, residents, faculty and staff in the School of Dentistry and VCU Dental Care. Dr. Smith will assist in shaping institutional leadership surrounding diversity, cultural sensitivity, and health inequities to address changes needed to the curriculum in support of cultural competency. Also collaborating with critical stakeholders responsible for diversity, inclusion and health equity across both campuses of Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Created a school-level DEI statement – An initial draft statement was prepared and a public comment phase has just concluded. With the feedback provided, that statement is being honed and will proceed through university approval.
- Curricular changes with an anti-racism emphasis – A mandatory D2 course, Reducing Bias in Healthcare: Improving Patient Outcomes, was incorporated into DENS 603 – Foundations of Effective Interpersonal Skills during Patient Interactions II for Fall 2020.
- Pre-doctoral admissions committee members have also undergone mandatory diversity training, with the VCU Office of Inclusive Excellence course, Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces.
- DEI Syllabus Statement – The SOD has incorporated a renewed commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion syllabus statement for all courses and clinics.
- Launch of a Dental Public Health D4 Selective – With special emphasis on the Epidemiology of COVID19, Teledentistry, Social Determinants of Health, and Health Equity
- A mandatory course in dental public health and understanding oral health disparities was just approved by our curriculum committee.
What’s Next and Where We are Headed (Mid-Range and Long-Range Goals)
- Current work is underway for a formal DEI strategic plan.
- A formal DEI strategic plan will help drive our efforts in the myriad of ways DEI initiatives touch nearly every facet of our SOD community, including but not limited to:
- Policies Review
- Admissions (predoctoral, dental hygiene, advanced education and PhD)
- Curriculum
- Staff and Faculty Education
- Health Disparities Curriculum & Research
- A formal DEI strategic plan will help drive our efforts in the myriad of ways DEI initiatives touch nearly every facet of our SOD community, including but not limited to:
- Current work is also underway for a monthly diversity dialogues conversation series
- The SOD is also partnering with the Office of the Vice President of Health Sciences for an inaugural School of Dentistry Inclusive Excellence Week celebrating our rich diversity and commitment to inclusive excellence during Global Diversity month in late October.