AIDPH is proud to announce our first awards ceremony, which will honor six individuals and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments in advancing justice, equity, and inclusion in the field of oral health. The awards ceremony will take place at Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel on March 26, 2024 as part of the organization's seventh Annual … [Read more...]
Meet AIDPH’s Award Winners: AIDPH’s Inaugural Awards Ceremony will celebrate six oral health leaders
Advancing Oral Health for Indigenous Veterans
As we prepare to commemorate Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day this November, it's an ideal time to delve deeper into two intertwined narratives—the service of Indigenous veterans and the pressing issue of their oral health. The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) and the Native Oral Health Network (NOHN) in partnership with … [Read more...]
Amplifying LGBTQIA+ Voices in Oral Health: A Student Story
By: Carmen Vega University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene, Class of 2024 Candidate I play the part of an oral healthcare provider and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community every day. I am a trained dental assistant and am currently completing my final year of dental hygiene school, where I serve as the Diversity, Equity, and … [Read more...]
Beyond Allyship: The Imperative of Accompliceship in LGBTQIA+ Healthcare
In the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, distinguishing between “ally” and “accomplice” is vital. While both play essential roles, a deliberate shift from allyship to accompliceship can be crucial in advancing LGBTQIA+ patient care. As we reflect upon the strides made in LGBTQIA+ rights, we realize that a deliberate shift from ally to accomplice … [Read more...]
Advocacy in Action: A Conversation with Dr. Alex Barrera
In a conversation with Dr. Alex Barrera, we dive into the intersections of oral healthcare, advocacy, and the LGBTQIA+ experience. To learn more about Dr. Barrera, follow him on Instagram at @thedowndogdentist Can you share a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what led you into the field of dentistry? I was born and raised in Laredo, … [Read more...]
A Recap of Our 2023 Summer Research Fellows’ Accomplishments
Each year, this 10-week summer fellowship program focuses on advocacy and research for special populations including oral health of veterans, LGBTQIA+ people, and rural communities. The 2023 cohort of fellows contributed to a special research project for veteran oral health in Iowa, supported by the Delta Dental Foundation of Iowa. The Summer … [Read more...]
AIDPH Statement on Recent SCOTUS Decisions
AIDPH is deeply saddened, angered, and disturbed by the recent legal decisions rendered by the Supreme Court of the United States that threaten our core values of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion. In light of the implications of such decisions, AIDPH reaffirms its commitment to disrupting systems of inequity, specifically in dental public … [Read more...]
Disabilities and Dental Care: Why More Must Be Done to Improve Access
This summer, we recognize several disability awareness days, including the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26). While major strides have been made to promote awareness, accessibility, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities, there is still more work to be done, especially in the dental field. As part of its … [Read more...]