At the Intersections: Supporting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on Campus—A Northern Ontario Experience

Equity-diversity-inclusion (EDI)-related strategies used by dental schools during the admission/selection process: a narrative review

“…The 16 articles included [ 7 , 11 , 14 – 27 ] were published between 2003 and 2022. Publications were higher in number in 2022.…”

“…Not all included articles had as their primary objectives the description and analysis of the strategies used to increase diversity during the admission process. However, they focused on anti-racism actions, and other ideas and approaches, that included best practices addressed to meeting the EDI requirements [ 7 , 11 , 14 , 21 , 23 – 25 ]. The articles that addressed dental school admissions as their main concept were straightforward to find information, and also presented insightful statements regarding EDI during admission/selection [ 15 – 20 , 22 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“… Strategy Number of articles that mentioned the strategy/intervention Authors (Year) Considering non-cognitive indicators n = 12 Formicola et al [ 14 ], Price et al [ 15 ], Lopez et al [ 16 ], Price & Grant-Mills et al [ 17 ], Wells et al [ 18 ], Wilson et al [ 19 ], Hewlett et al [ 25 ], Booker et al [ 26 ], Cunningham & Kiezebrink et al [ 27 ], Drazenovich & Mazur et al [ 7 ], Fleming et al [ 24 ] Balancing non-cognitive indicators with metrics may prevent unintended selection bias n = 1 Chaviano-Moran et al [ 22 ] Focusing on one or two dimensions of diversity at a time n = 1 Claeys-Kulik et al [ 21 ] Avoiding overreliance in the traditional/quantitative tests (GPA, DAT, etc.) n = 2 Price & Grant-Mills et al [ 17 ], Booker et al [ 26 ] Collecting individualized information from applicants such as socioeconomic status, and ethnicity n = 3 Booker et al [ 26 ], Drazenovich & Mazur et al [ 7 ], Neville et al [ 11 ] Creating of an instrument to assist admission committee members to standardize non-cognitive/non-academic indicators for a holistic review n = 2 Lopez et al [ 16 ], Booker et al [ 26 ] Improving interviewing skills of committee members n = 2 Formicola et al [ 14 ], Wells et al [ 18 ] Increasing time for individual interviews n = 1 Price et al [ 15 ] Considering the intersectionality of diverse people n = 2 Claeys-Kulik et al [ 21 ], Neville et al [ ...…”

“…In several countries the organizations responsible for the accreditation process of dental schools have encouraged actions related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) [ 6 , 7 ]. One of the reasons for this is that diverse ideas, talent, perspectives, and experiences can build an innovative, prosperous, and inclusive academic community [ 8 ].…”

“…However, some applicants still face barriers and discrimination during the admissions selection process [ 9 ]. Currently, dental schools are responsible for embracing and increasing EDI to advance the dental profession further, and to serve the communities under their care [ 7 , 10 , 11 ].…”