Developing Cultural Competence Among Dental Students Through Service-Learning

• In Event: 66.079 - Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 66.079-14 - Division I Roundtable C: Cultural Competence and Equity

Abstract

Service learning in dental education helps students integrate knowledge with authentic practice. The Students Training and Rural Service (STARS) program was offered to expand students’ beliefs about competence, professionalism; perceptions of access and disparities issues and desire to serve the underserved population. Five newly admitted dental students participated in this six-week program in at-risk settings to experience care delivery. Data included 12 reflective writing assignments and interviews. Grounded theory was used to analyze reflective writings. Seven themes and interview findings showed enhanced participants’ awareness of social healthcare issues and patient differences, as well as a social justice orientation and desire to address disparities. Research should examine the civic notions of these programs, and explore curriculums to avoid mis-educative possibilities.

Authors

• Linda Behar-Horenstein, University of Florida

• Xiaoying Feng, University of Florida

• Micaela Gibbs, University of Florida

• Frank A Catalanotto

• Kellie W. Roberts, University of Florida

• Charisse Nerissa Southwell, University of Florida