Abstract
Introduction.Inclusive education in medical schools is a system of educational and social measures aimed at ensuring equal access to quality education for all students, including those with disabilities. In the context of modernisation in higher education, an inclusive approach contributes to the formation of a tolerant educational environment, the development of humanistic values, and the professional culture of future medical specialists.Materials and Methods. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional, single-item survey. Data were collected anonymously online via a Google form among second-to sixth-year students of the Faculty of Dentistry at West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov from October 20 to 30, 2025. A total of 224 students were included in the study.Results. About half of the respondents are familiar with the term "inclusive education." Most students have no experience studying or interacting with people with disabilities. However, a significant proportion of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward thepossibility of studying together with such individuals. Many respondents noted the presence of accessible elements at the university, but also emphasized the need to create a barrier-free architectural environment at all educational and clinical sites. Conclusion. Low student awareness of the importance of inclusive education and the inadequate integration of relevant elements into university curricula can negatively impact the social and academic integration of individuals with disabilities. Particular attention should be paid to creating barrier-free infrastructure, adapting educational programs, utilizing modern digital technologies, and providing psychological and pedagogical support to students.Keywords:inclusive education, dentistry, barrier-free environment, awareness.