As we commemorate Juneteenth in the United States, we reflect on the ongoing journey toward freedom, fairness, and equity—especially in critical areas like healthcare and oral health. One powerful way to create lasting change is by promoting diversity in dentistry.
Key Takeaways:
- Diversity in dentistry is still limited, especially among Black and Hispanic dentists.
- Representation matters—patients feel more comfortable with providers who understand their background.
- A diverse workforce builds trust, breaks barriers, and inspires future dentists.
- Barriers include prohibitive costs, lack of mentors, bias, and limited career awareness.
- Progress is happening through scholarships, mentorships, outreach, and training.
- Everyone can help by supporting inclusive programs and celebrating diverse voices.
The Current State of Diversity in Dentistry
Despite progress, Black and Hispanic dentists remain significantly underrepresented in the U.S. dental workforce. This lack of representation in healthcare matters—patients often feel more comfortable and build trust in dental care when treated by providers who understand their cultural background.
Why Representation Matters in Dental Care
A more inclusive dental workforce benefits everyone. When dental teams reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, it:
- Builds trust with patients
- Breaks down language and cultural barriers
- Encourages underrepresented minorities in healthcare to pursue dental careers
Seeing someone who looks like you in the dental chair can make all the difference.
Barriers to Becoming a Dentist
Many students from underrepresented backgrounds face steep challenges:
- Cost of dental school is a major barrier
- Lack of mentorship in dentistry
- Bias in admissions processes
- Limited career awareness in underserved communities
These obstacles contribute to the ongoing diversity gap in dental care.
A Brighter Future for Inclusive Dentistry
The good news? Change is happening. Organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) are working to increase equity in dentistry through:
- Dental school scholarships
- Mentorship and outreach programs
- Promoting culturally competent dental care
- Raising awareness about dental career opportunities
These efforts have already led to a 50% increase in enrollment among dental students from underrepresented groups.
How to Support Diversity in Dentistry
Everyone in the dental field can help build a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce:
- Support programs that mentor minority dental students
- Advocate for inclusive policies in dental education
- Learn about cultural competence in dentistry
- Celebrate diverse voices in oral health
The ADA offers a helpful toolkit to support these efforts.
Let’s honor Juneteenth by working toward a dental community that reflects the rich diversity of the people it serves. Because everyone deserves to smile—and to feel seen when they do.
