Structural Ablelism in Dentistry
Project details
First supervisor: Professor Sasha Scambler
Mode of study: Full-time or part-time
Project duration: 3 years if full-time
Eligibility: Home and Overseas
Funding: Self-funded
Start date: Open until suitable candidate is found
Application deadline: Open until suitable candidate is found
Reference number: 2025/06/SS2/DOCS
Project description
Ableism can be defined as a form of discrimination against disabled people which can manifest in a range of ways such as prejudice, exclusion and stereotyping (Villines 2021). It may be unintentional or intentional and is rooted in a normative understanding of how bodies do and should look and function (2023). Recent figures from the UK suggest that approximately 16 million people in UK are living with 1 or more disability, with almost 1 in 4 disabled people categorised as adults of working age and almost half are 65 and over (Family Resources Survey, 2023).
Research suggests that disabled people face a range of barriers within healthcare settings including environmental, attitudinal and organisational barriers which make them less likely to seek care when needed, less likely to be able to access care when sought, and also impacts the quality of care they receive when they do access it (da Rosa et al., 2020; Peres et al., 2019). This can result in poorer access to care and poorer oral health outcomes when care is accessed (Ward et al., 2016). Ableism is likely to be a significant issue in healthcare, creating and exacerbating the barriers disabled people face.
The aim of this research project is to explore structural ableism in dentistry, not just as a form of discrimination that disabled people face within the healthcare sector but as a form of discrimination that is embedded in the structures, organisations and institutions that make up the healthcare system itself.
Person specification
- An interest in social and behavioural sciences would be an advantage
- An interest in disability
- Research skills
Research training
- Qualitative research training
- Systematic review training
Next steps
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the project with the first supervisor prior to submitting an application.
Please apply online at apply.kcl.ac.uk following these steps:
- Register a new account/login
- Once logged in, select 'Create a new application'.
- Enter ‘Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time or part-time)' under 'Choose a programme'. Please ensure you select the correct mode of study.
- Select start date.
- Please note: Applicants must include the project reference number (2025/06/SS2/DOCS) in the 'Research proposal' and 'Funding (point 5)' sections of the application.
Professor Sasha Scambler
Email: sasha.scambler@kcl.ac.uk
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