Dental Students’ Knowledge of Resources for LGBT Persons: Findings from Three Dental Schools

Abstract

Recently, there has been increased attention to including cultural diversity in the education of health professionals, including concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inclusion and visibility. Studies regarding cultural exposure and acceptance of LGBT populations have been concentrated in medicine, with findings showing that medical providers often graduate having missed the preparation required to care for LGBT persons. A visible, comprehensive, culturally competent environment in dental schools would help ensure that all oral health professionals and students are aware of services available to address the particular needs of LGBT students. The aims of this survey-based study conducted in 2015-16 were to determine dental students' perceptions regarding LGBT students' needs and to assess dental students' knowledge of resources for LGBT persons at three U.S. dental schools, one each in the Midwest, West, and South. Of the 849 students invited to participate, 364 completed the survey (338 dental, 26 dental hygiene), for an overall response rate of 43%. The response rate at individual schools ranged from 30% to 55%. The results showed perceptions of insufficient LGBT information, resources, and support at these institutions, especially at the Western school. There were significant differences among the three schools, with students at the Western school more than the other two schools perceiving that their institution was less aware of whether it met the academic, social support, and spiritual needs of LGBT students. There were no significant differences between LGBT and non-LGBT students' perceptions. The authors urge dental school administrators to explore the degree to which their programs teach respectful and caring behavior towards LGBT students and, by extension, LGBT patient populations.

População LGBTQIA+

“…Os 19 artigos selecionados consistiam em estudos sobre as experiências e acesso à saúde bucal por pacientes LGBTQIA+ 2,16-20 e estudos transversais sobre a experiência dos alunos de graduação e pós-graduação em Odontologia com a população LGBTQIA+ 13,[21][22][23][24][25][26] . Quatro artigos demonstraram a experiência de se inserir atividades focadas na desmistificação da população LGBTQIA+ durante a graduação em Odontologia [27][28][29][30] .…”

“…A discriminação e violência com o grupo LGBTQIA+ são frequentes e encaixam-se em diversos âmbitos sociais, como o familiar e o profissional. Um dos cenários mais comuns é a rejeição familiar, fazendo com que essas pessoas percam suas moradias e, em decorrência, se exponham ao uso de substâncias químicas, violências (verbal e física), desemprego e trabalho sexual 2, 21,22 . Tal situação acarreta o aumento da taxa de transtornos depressivos e ansiosos, bem como de taxas de suicídio 20 e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, uso de substâncias, má alimentação, perda de peso e descuidado com higiene pessoal, predispondo esse grupo a maior risco de adquirir doenças.…”

“…Tal situação acarreta o aumento da taxa de transtornos depressivos e ansiosos, bem como de taxas de suicídio 20 e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, uso de substâncias, má alimentação, perda de peso e descuidado com higiene pessoal, predispondo esse grupo a maior risco de adquirir doenças. Essa exclusão social pode criar um estresse substancial, afetando múltiplas facetas da vida 21,22 .…”

Dental Care of Transgenders on Long- Termhormone Therapy

“…This is especially true in today's dental schools. While local laws do not always protect transgenders from discrimination [6,7], it is incumbent upon us as dentists to learn more about this group of human beings in order to be a part of the solution not the problem (Table 1) [8].…”

Should Dental Care Make a Transition?

“…Despite these statements, education about the care of sexual and gender minority patients has been found to be lacking in predoctoral dental education. [8][9][10][11][12] The result is a profession of dental providers who may be uncomfortable with the delivery of care specific to transgender patients.…”