Effective Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Underrepresented Minority Students: Perspectives from Dental Students

Abstract

This study was designed to identify reasons underrepresented minority (URM) dental students select a dental school and to determine the factors that contribute to their resolve to complete their programs. A survey questionnaire developed from interviews with URM students was sent to Minority/Admissions Officers or deans of dental schools that enrolled URM students for distribution to their minority students. A total of 198 questionnaires were received from minority students in all levels of dental school. The results were that 74 percent said they selected a school for its reputation, and 49.5 percent chose a dental school even if the financial aid package was less than what was offered in other schools. African American, Hispanic, and Native American students prefer integrated interview days with nonminority applicants and disapprove of "special" days designated for URMs. The presence of other minority students was not an important factor in the selection of a school but is an important source of support while attending dental school. Dental school minority alumni also play a significant role in the selection of a school. Results of the study can be useful in planning recruitment and retention programs.

Sense of belonging predicts persistence intentions among diverse dental education students: A multi‐institutional investigation

“…4 They also have reported being few in number, "the only," or feeling like they were constantly watched in class. 6 Results from this analysis seem to corroborate these earlier findings, demonstrating sizeable differences in the subjective evaluations of White and URM students' experiences in dental school.…”

“…25 And, "in schools where there are few URM students or at times 1 minority, [students] have commented that there is a general feeling of not belonging or 'homelessness.'" 6 In light of the previous literature, it seems reasonable to conclude that this may reveal part of the underlying causal mechanism. It also underscores the important role that a "critical mass" of URMs can play as a source of support and belonging for others in dental school.…”

“…15 A long line of scholarship converges on the point that supportive educational environments engender student success; the same holds true in dental education. 6 This finding also is a cause for concern especially given the swelling number of pipeline programs designed to recruit and retain URM dental students. 2 These results are consistent with findings reported in the higher education literature 18 and generally simplify those reported elsewhere about dental practitioners.…”

Oral health among white, black, and Mexican-American elders: an examination of edentulism and dental caries

“…Third, programs are needed to improve individuals' overall health behaviors – perhaps through encouraging positive behaviors that can help older Americans retain their natural teeth and maintain good oral health later in life. Fourth, develop and improve culturally competent services for minority communities by recruiting more underrepresented minorities to the dental professions, and enrich dental education curriculum (28).…”

Methods to Increase Underrepresented Minority Student Enrollment and Retention at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry

“…It has been documented that undergraduate colleges and universities, particularly historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) serving as feeder institutions or at least points of reference for URM students, are significant sources for increasing the pool of qualified dental school applicants 14 – 17 . Predental societies in these institutions are invaluable resources that can serve as liaisons between students’ undergraduate and professional institutions.…”