Dental Students' Knowledge of LGBT Resources

• In Event: 69.029 - On Diversity and Culture

Abstract

There has been increased attention to teaching cultural diversity in the education of health professionals, particularly to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) inclusion and visibility. In this study, dental students at three institutions in three regions (MW, W, and S) completed a survey about needs of LGBT dental students at their institutions. Findings explored potential differences by school location, year in dental school, and student sexual orientation. Overall, W students felt that their school was less aware of whether or not it met the academic, social support and spiritual needs of LGBT students. The authors recommend that administrators ensure their educational programs teach the notion of respectful and caring behavior towards LGBT students and by extension LGBT patient populations.

Authors

• Xiaoying Feng, Avar Consulting, Inc.

• Linda Behar-Horenstein, University of Florida

• Leda Mugayar, University of Florida

• Edna Perez, University of Florida

• Pamela Nagasawa, University of Washington

• David G Brown, University of Nebraska - Medical Center