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Evaluation of a pipeline program at strengthening applications, increasing diversity, and increasing access to care
Author(s) -
Greenway Ryan A.,
Scott JoAnna M.,
Loveless Ellyce C.,
Bigham Richard R.,
SimmerBeck Melanie L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/jdd.12508
Subject(s) - descriptive statistics , ethnic group , test (biology) , diversity (politics) , underrepresented minority , dental education , medicine , african american , family medicine , medical education , gerontology , dentistry , sociology , paleontology , statistics , ethnology , mathematics , anthropology , biology
Abstract Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of a dental pipeline program at strengthening dental school applications, growing the diversity of dental students, and increasing access to care Methods This program evaluation used a descriptive and quasi‐experimental retrospective study design. Researchers analyzed secondary data, from a dental pipeline program, for the years 2011–2018. Descriptive statistics were used to describe short‐term and intermediate outcomes and impact. Associations were tested using paired t‐test, 2‐sample t‐test, analysis of variance, and chi‐squared test Results Ninety‐eight scholars completed the 10‐week program. The majority of scholars were female (70%), non‐Hispanic or Latino (76%), non‐White (72%), and pursuing baccalaureate degrees (94%). After completing the program, the mean Dental Admission Test (DAT) Academic Average Score (AAS) increased (16.0 vs. 17.5, P < 0.01). Significant associations were revealed between post‐program DAT AAS and being accepted into dental school ( P = 0.02). Associations remained when stratified by gender (male P = 0.01) and ethnicity ( P = 0.03). The majority of scholars (71%) applied to the host school. Over half of the scholars matriculated to dental school (55%). Twenty‐nine scholars (30%) graduated from the host school. Graduates report choosing careers in private practice (38%), public health (24%), corporate dentistry (17%), and the military (3%) Conclusion Dental pipeline programs are effective at strengthening dental school applications, increasing DAT AAS, growing the diversity of dental students, and increasing access to care. Dental education needs to examine barriers dental pipeline programs do not typically address, such as the high cost of applying to dental school, and identify additional ways to support underrepresented minority students entering into dentistry.