Dental Student, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, UK.
Associate Professor in Primary Care Dentistry, Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, UK.
Br Dent J. 2024 Sep;237(6):451-455. doi: 10.1038/s41415-024-7835-4. Epub 2024 Sep 27.
The demographics of the dental workforce have changed significantly in recent years, with regard to both gender and ethnicity. Ethnic diversity within dentistry does not align with UK population data, with some groups less well-represented than others, such as those of Black or Afro-Caribbean heritage. Although multiculturalism has developed throughout the UK, it is much less advanced within rural areas. Rural communities have a less ethnically diverse population and this has been identified as a challenge when looking to recruit dentists and other dental care professionals from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) background.Recruitment and retention of dentists to rural areas is a major issue and it is vitally important to ensure that all members of the dental profession feel adequately supported and welcome. Addressing the shortage of dental professionals in rural areas is crucial in improving dental access. However, this task becomes more complex when considering the increasing number of BAME students and graduates from a metropolitan background, and a continuing lack of multi-culturalism within rural communities. Identifying and understanding the factors which influence BAME dental professionals' decisions to relocate to rural areas is vital for developing effective strategies to attract and retain diverse talent within these communities.This opinion article considers existing literature, while drawing upon personal experiences as a Black student in the South West of England, in order to explore the barriers to working in rural areas as an individual from a minority ethnic group. Socioeconomic challenges, cultural isolation and limited rural experience are identified as factors that can deter Black and other minority ethnic dentists from living and working in rural areas.
近年来，牙科劳动力的人口结构在性别和种族方面发生了重大变化。牙科学领域的种族多样性与英国人口数据不一致，一些群体的代表性不如其他群体，例如具有黑人或非裔加勒比传统的群体。尽管英国各地的多元文化主义都有所发展，但在农村地区却远不那么先进。农村社区的人口种族多样性较少，这在招募来自黑人、亚洲或少数族裔（BAME）背景的牙医和其他牙科保健专业人员时被认为是一个挑战。招募和留住牙医到农村地区是一个主要问题，确保所有牙科专业人员都得到充分的支持和欢迎至关重要。解决农村地区牙科专业人员短缺的问题对于改善牙科服务的可及性至关重要。然而，当考虑到越来越多的大都市背景的 BAME 学生和毕业生以及农村社区中持续缺乏多元文化主义时，这项任务变得更加复杂。确定并理解影响 BAME 牙科专业人员决定迁往农村地区的因素，对于制定吸引和留住这些社区多样化人才的有效策略至关重要。这篇观点文章探讨了现有的文献，同时借鉴了一名来自英格兰西南部的黑人学生的个人经历，以探讨少数民族群体个体在农村地区工作的障碍。社会经济挑战、文化孤立和有限的农村经验被确定为阻止黑人及其他少数族裔牙医在农村地区生活和工作的因素。
