The evidence of structural racism in dentistry teaching institutions

Abstract

Racial inequality in Brazil remains evident in higher education; even with greater access for people in situations of vulnerability, Dentistry institutions continue to underrepresent the Black population and reproduce privileges that sustain white predominance in positions of prestige. A descriptive and exploratory study based on a narrative literature review; classical and contemporary works on structural racism and education (ALMEIDA; FERNANDES) were consulted, as well as searches in databases such as SciELO and Google Scholar using the descriptors “structural racism,” “dentistry,” and “higher education.” The review showed low representation of Black students (e.g., 2.56% in a cited study), elitization of the course due to tuition and material costs, limitations of the PROUNI program in smaller regions, and the transfer of racial biases to clinical practice — with neglect or lack of hygiene often attributed to Black patients — evidencing that institutional racism affects access, retention, training, and quality of care. The literature also highlights the need for training and affirmative policies. Structural racism is present in Dentistry higher education institutions, undermining equity and the protagonism of the Black population. Further research through national surveys with students is recommended, as well as the implementation of affirmative actions and institutional measures to promote representation and retention.

Keywords: Racism; Dentistry; Dental Students.