Diversity in Dentistry
We D.I.D It... So Can You!
Diversity In Dentistry Mentorships, Inc. brings future dental students and dental professionals into one community to share information, offer guidance, and provide encouragement.
We aim to reach our youth early to learn how rewarding a career in dentistry is and that it can be an attainable goal. Working with our mentors throughout their educational journey will increase the dental school applicant pool of diverse, strong candidates.
Diversity In Dentistry Mentorships, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the diversity pathway from middle school to dental school through mentoring, educational experiences, hands-on programming, and scholarships to youth and pre-dental students from African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds.
Racial diversity among dentists does not mirror that of the U.S. population.
Studies have shown a lack of diversity in medicine leads to poor cultural competency amongst health care providers. Lack of cultural competence leads to ineffective communication, bias, and ultimately results in inequity in the delivery of healthcare including oral health to minorities that ultimately leads to poor health outcomes.
We aim to reach our youth early to learn how rewarding and attainable a career in dentistry can be.
Increasing the diversity in dentistry will positively impact both the lives of the dentists and the communities they serve, improving health care for everyone.