Sophia G. Saeed, D.MD
UConn Health | School of Dental Medicine
Carlos Smith, D.D.S. , M.Div.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Kelton Stewart, D.D.S., M.S.
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Dental education struggles with recruiting and retaining black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students, residents, and faculty; women are also significantly underrepresented among leadership positions. As a field, we have discussed diversity, however we have struggled to address the deeper structural issues that prevent minoritized individuals from feeling included and supported so that they can thrive. Racism and sexism are known issues in dental education. In this session, we take a deeper dive into the steps that each of us- and particularly those in leadership positions- must take in order to life women and BIPOC individuals as we rise.