ADEA Climate Survey: The Voice of Dental Education

By Rachel Boutet

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Climate Survey will be available for all students, staff, instructors, and faculty from January 17 to February 28, 2022. Associate professor Anuradha Prakki is one of two Canadian faculty members who are part of the ADEA team designing this study. We talked to Dr. Prakki to find out more about the survey.

What is the ADEA Climate Survey?
The ADEA Climate Survey is an anonymous survey that will allow U.S. and Canadian dental schools, as well as allied dental programs, to benchmark across peer institutions. This first-ever dental education-wide climate study will collect baseline data on diversity, equity and inclusion, to better prepare us for our own EDI initiatives in the future. 

Who else is participating? 
This survey is open to all U.S. and Canadian dental schools and allied dental programs. 

Why is it important to complete the survey?    
The climate study is an important step to ensure all voices in academic dentistry are heard. The data collected will be used to develop strategic initiatives at the ADEA and at our Faculty in support of diversity, equity and inclusion. The study will also help our Faculty identify perceived gaps in the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff. Climate survey data will allow us to benchmark and compare future climate study data so that we can design and monitor improvements.

How can people participate?
All students, faculty, instructors and staff will receive the climate survey via email on January 17 and will have until February 28 to complete it. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

When will the results be shared?
The climate study results will be shared by fall 2022.