Engaging dental students and staff in diversity, equity and inclusion: participation and challenges

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is embedded in the NHS ethos, and is a core professional requirement for all dental care professionals as outlined by the General Dental Council. Practitioners are expected to treat patients and colleagues with dignity and respect, work inclusively and provide culturally sensitive patient care. Cardiff University School of Dentistry has launched a range of voluntary DEI activities to increase awareness and understanding of our diverse patients and workforce. It is important to identify the perceived role of students and staff in participating in DEI events, and how engagement can be better facilitated. The aim of this study was to explore student and staff motivators and barriers relating to engagement in voluntary DEI activities.