Researchers explored patterns of significance in students' reflective writings before and after interviews with individuals unlike themselves. To determine changes in cultural attitudes or beliefs, the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) program and QUAN [right arrow]qual sequential mixed methods model was used. Seven factors explained 66.49% of the variance. This is a successful replication of a previous study, so the authors describe specific contextual differences. An analysis of participants' reflective writings offer insight about how participants integrate new and existing knowledge. Thematic content of the qualitative data revealed that increased opportunities for contact resulted in students' expressions of change. The findings demonstrate that experiencing instructional activities which challenge dental students' personal biases, while simultaneously exposing them first hand to the lived realities of others is important to catalyzing a shift in attitudes. Based on these findings, experiential learning experiences versus didactic coursework are recommended for students to relate the concepts of cultural competency and health disparities. Mixed methods inquiry can inform faculty about the outcomes that may emerge from these efforts.