Haley C M, Macri D, Perez H L, Schwartz S B. LGBTQ+ and dental education: analysing the present and recommendations for the future. J Dent Educ 2022; DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13100.

Are they understood?

The LGBTQ+ descriptor covers a diverse range of individuals with differing sexual and gender identities, who interact with dental professionals as patients, colleagues and managers. Historically marginalised as a group, LGBTQ+ individuals are at increased risk of substance use disorder, STDs, certain cancers, bullying, anxiety, depression and suicide.

Barriers to care include a fear of discrimination, and on the part of providers, a lack of cultural sensitivity and understanding of their needs. LGBTQ+ content of US dental schools' curricula is limited to a small amount of lecture time. Some schools have no such content. Improving or increasing such teaching, including bias awareness training, may lead to a breakdown of the barriers to care. Both students and staff may benefit from mentorship from others who share their identity.

The authors recognise that there is limited research on this issue within dental education and that other personal characteristics such as race and age may modulate the experiences of those who identify as LGBTQ+.