Table of Contents
- Key Points
- What Is Dental Diversity Month?
- Key Goals of Dental Diversity Month
- Why Dental Diversity Matters
- What Can Be Done To Promote Dental Diversity?
- Moving Toward a Healthier, More Inclusive Future
- References
Key Points
- Dental health outcomes vary greatly among distinct groups, including those of differing socioeconomic status.
- Dental Diversity Month (June) is a time to raise awareness about disparities in oral healthcare among various populations, as well as celebrate ways that local dentist offices are working to combat such challenges.
- Dentists, hygienists, and office staff—as well as patients—all have a role to play in fostering diversity and inclusion in Raleigh, NC, and beyond.
- Dental Diversity Month is also a time to recognize and celebrate diversity among dental staff, including the many advantages that this brings to the standard of care.
Did you know that more than 90 percent of adults have had at least one cavity, and about one-quarter of them currently have untreated tooth decay?1 This is alarming, given that oral health affects far more than just our teeth—it can impact our overall health, confidence, and even job prospects. That is why raising awareness about dental care—including barriers to it—and celebrating the people who support our oral health is so important.
This June, we proudly observe Dental Diversity Month, bringing attention to the importance of dental care for people from all walks of life. It also is a time to recognize the variety of professionals, patients, and practices that make the world of dentistry vibrant, inclusive, and essential. Join us in looking at how inclusive oral healthcare can transform lives, including those right here in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What Is Dental Diversity Month?
Dental Diversity Month is more than just a calendar event—it is a movement dedicated to recognizing the unique oral health needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This month offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate inclusivity, promote education, and enhance access to quality dental care for everyone, regardless of age, background, language, or socioeconomic status.
Dental professionals serve a wide variety of needs, from cosmetic treatments to restorative care and beyond. Honoring this diversity means acknowledging that no two smiles are alike—and that quality dental care must adapt to meet those unique needs.
In short, Dental Diversity Month is a time to shine a spotlight on the multifaceted aspects of oral health and the importance of embracing diversity within the dental profession. It encourages dental professionals and patients alike to recognize and value the cultural, socioeconomic, and individual differences that shape our oral health journeys.
Key Goals of Dental Diversity Month
Inevitably, there can be many facets to participating in this time of reflection, education, and motivation. For this reason, it may be easiest to start with the main goal of Dental Diversity Month.
- Promote Inclusive Care: Address barriers such as language, culture, and access to ensure everyone receives quality dental care.
- Educate and Empower: Provide culturally relevant oral health education to diverse communities.
- Celebrate Community: Highlight the achievements and stories of dental professionals from various backgrounds.
Why Dental Diversity Matters
There are two major aspects of diversity that we should consider during this month: in the community and in the dental office itself.
A Focus on Disparities in the Community
Dental Diversity Month can play a crucial role in raising public consciousness about oral health issues and the value of preventive care. Research suggests that socioeconomic disparities, for instance, can have far-reaching implications for oral health outcomes and quality of life. One study showed that children with lower socioeconomic status have a significantly higher incidence of decayed, missing, or filled teeth than their counterparts in middle or high socioeconomic status.2 Raising awareness about such disparities can help motivate change.
Diversity in the Dentist’s Office
Dental diversity also encompasses the experiences and backgrounds of dentists, hygienists, and other staff, which have changed significantly over time. We have moved from a historically homogenous landscape to one of great diversity. Historically, the dental profession, like many healthcare fields, was largely dominated by a specific demographic, primarily white males. While figures like Emeline Roberts Jones, the first practicing female dentist in the United States in 1855, and Ida Gray Nelson Rollins, the first Black woman dentist in the U.S. in 1890, broke barriers, their experiences often involved overcoming significant systemic obstacles and prejudices. Early dental schools often denied entry to women and minorities, and even when admitted, they faced segregation and limited opportunities.3
The formation of groups like the American Association of Women Dentists in 1921 highlights the need for professional support and advocacy among underrepresented groups.4 The civil rights and women’s liberation movements of the mid-20th century further pushed for greater representation and equality across all professions, including dentistry, leading to increased enrollment of women and minorities in dental schools.
The Importance of Diversity in the Dental Workforce
Today, the importance of diversity in dentistry is widely acknowledged. A diverse dental team brings a wealth of benefits.
First, it enhances patient care by fostering cultural competency. When patients see themselves reflected in their care providers—whether it is in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, language, or socioeconomic background—they feel more comfortable, trusting, and willing to communicate openly about their health concerns. This leads to better patient compliance, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced health disparities, particularly for underserved communities who often face greater barriers to accessing care.
Beyond patient care, diversity within dental teams enriches the workplace itself. It fosters a more inclusive and collaborative environment where different perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches can thrive. This leads to increased creativity and innovation in treatment planning, office management, and community outreach. A diverse team can better understand and address the unique needs of a multicultural society, making the practice more relevant and effective. Furthermore, inclusive workplaces often report higher employee satisfaction, improved morale, and lower turnover rates, as staff feel valued and respected for their unique contributions.
While progress has been made, challenges remain, including financial barriers to dental education for underrepresented students and the need for continued efforts to increase diversity in leadership positions within the profession. Embracing and actively promoting diversity is not just an ethical imperative; it is a strategic necessity for the future of dentistry to effectively serve an increasingly diverse global population.
What Can Be Done To Promote Dental Diversity?
By participating in dental awareness months like this one, both patients and dental professionals can contribute to a more inclusive and healthier society. These observances are opportunities for Raleigh dentists (and dental offices nationwide) to:
- Engage in outreach programs to serve underserved populations and promote oral health equity.
- Offer free consultations and check-ups to underserved populations.
- Advocate for policy changes that promote health equity.
- Provide materials and dental services in multiple languages to ensure clear communication and comfort for all patients.
- Evaluate their staffing diversity policies and ensure staff reflect the communities they serve.
- Provide training to staff on cultural sensitivity and the unique needs of patients from different backgrounds.
Patients have a role to play as well. Here are some general ways to participate in Dental Diversity Month:
- Educate Yourself: Attend webinars, workshops, or community events focused on dental diversity and inclusion.
- Share Your Story: Dental anxiety is a serious problem and can, in itself, be a formidable barrier to care. Share your positive experiences on social media to inspire others.
- Support Local Initiatives: Volunteer with or donate to organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Schedule a Check-Up: Use Dental Diversity Month as motivation to book your next appointment with a Raleigh dentist and prioritize your oral health
- Thank Your Dentist: …and dental hygienist during your next visit, especially if they are working to promote diversity in their staff and access to care for all patients in their community.
Moving Toward a Healthier, More Inclusive Future
Dental Diversity Month is a powerful reminder that oral health is for everyone, regardless of background, language, or circumstance. By celebrating dental awareness months like this one, we can all contribute to a more equitable and compassionate dental care system.
If you want to learn more about how Raleigh dentists are leading the way in inclusive care, now is the perfect time to get involved. Embrace Dental Diversity Month, take proactive steps for your oral health, and help build a community where every smile is valued and cared for.
At Loren, we are proud to be an advocate for dental diversity in all its forms. Contact us today to learn more about our practice’s philosophy and values, or to schedule an appointment.
References
- “Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Adults (Ages 20 to 64 Years),” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, November 2022, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/adults.
- Omar S. Almajed, Alhareth A. Aljouie, Mayar S. Alharbi, and Leenah M. Alsulaimi, “The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Pediatric Oral Health: A Review,” Cureus, February 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10914081/.
- “History of Dentistry,” American Dental Association, retrieved on June 17, 2025, from: https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/dental-history.
- “Our History,” American Association of Women Dentists,” retrieved on June 17, 2025, from: https://aawd.org/about-aawd/.
Dr. Brett Wells is the founder of Loren Dental, DentalHQ.com, and Wells Family Dental Group, which was recently awarded the Triangle Business Journal’s “2024 Best Places to Work” recognition. Dr. Wells has more than 20 years of experience practicing general and family dentistry, and has published widely in major medical journals, like Dental Economics and Inside Dentistry, on topics ranging from navigating dental insurance to advice for other dental practices and the impact of PPOs on dentistry. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry and maintains memberships in various professional associations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Dentist Entrepreneur Organization.
