Belonging is often described as a “sense of feeling respected and treated fairly.” In recent years, “belonging” has reemerged as a key concept within the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework. The concept of belonging is also closely linked to the human ability to connect. In terms of developing relationships, research shows that our brains are hardwired to form meaningful human attachments. Additionally, our minds and bodies are designed to engage in satisfying emotional connections with others. Despite being wired to connect, belonging has not been without its historical challenges. For persons of color, women, individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community, belonging has often been a luxury and not a reality. Historically, within the health care system, not belonging has resulted in discrimination and the differential treatment of some populations, even to the point of ultimately denying their humanity and their civil and human rights.

As members of the academic dentistry community, we are charged with creating and maintaining a humanistic environment and inclusive culture. Humanistic and inclusive environments are places where students, faculty, staff and patients feel they belong, and that they are welcomed, respected, heard and treated equitably. This webinar explores the importance of developing strategies to foster belonging as part of campus DEI initiatives. During the webinar, we will briefly describe the neuroscience of belonging and discuss how belonging is a critical factor in academic and professional success. We will also outline barriers to belonging and the consequences of not belonging, particularly for historically underrepresented and marginalized groups. Best practices, tips and resources for improving belongingness at dental schools and allied dental programs will also be examined.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how depression, isolation, and stress are associated with belonging, diversity, inclusion and well-being.
• Explore the neuroscience of belonging and the business case for belonging.
• Examine barriers to belonging and the importance of fostering belonging among faculty, students, and staff.
• Discuss personal strategies and organizational best practices for improving belongingness and supporting diversity and inclusion in dental education.

Original Release Date: November 30, 2021

Expiration Date: November 30, 2024

Questions? Contact learn@adea.org

Disclaimer 

The purpose of this presentation is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use for the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions. Guest statements do not express the viewpoint of ADEA. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ADEA endorsement.

CE Information

The American Dental Education Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

An evaluation form is available to participants after the conclusion of the webinar. To earn continuing education (CE) credit for participation in the webinar, the online evaluation must be completed in full by November 30, 2024. After completing the evaluation, webinar participants can print and save the CE Verification Form.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

The American Dental Education Association designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.

All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.