Shaping Smiles, Shaping Change: Diversity in Dentistry Panel-Shaping Smiles, Shaping Change: Diversity in Dentistry Panel

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The AGD webinar “Shaping Smiles, Shaping Change” brought together dental professionals and an HR executive to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in dentistry. Panelists emphasized that diversity means more than visible differences: it includes varied experiences, perspectives, skills, identities, and needs.<br /><br />Speakers said inclusive leadership begins with self-awareness, respectful behavior, and modeling the practices leaders want their teams to follow. Building teams with different strengths and viewpoints can improve problem-solving, while recognizing employees’ transferable skills may reveal capabilities that otherwise go unused. Panelists also stressed making time for staff training and reflection.<br /><br />For patient care, inclusion means creating a safe, respectful environment and adapting to individual preferences. Examples included asking patients about pronouns, providing language interpretation, considering accessibility needs, and learning about cultural practices without judgment. Panelists noted that patients who feel respected are more likely to trust their providers and recommend them to others.<br /><br />The discussion acknowledged barriers such as limited time, inaccessible systems, and a climate in which some organizations are reducing DEI efforts. Speakers encouraged dental professionals to advocate for their communities, participate in organized dentistry, and share their lived experiences. Their closing advice was to be a resource: when a practice cannot meet a patient’s needs directly, connect them with people or organizations that can.

Keywords

diversity

equity

inclusion

dentistry

inclusive leadership

patient care

self-awareness

accessibility

cultural competence

DEI