AIDPH believes there’s value specifically in providing a depth of knowledge about our four core community focus groups – LGBTQIA+, rural communities, people with disabilities, and veterans – rather than taking a “jack of all trades, master of none” approach to awareness and advocacy. These four specific communities reflect the research backgrounds, professional interests, and lived experiences of our members. By homing in on the communities our organization has existing knowledge, expertise, and a body of knowledge, we can provide more targeted solutions and more comprehensive discussions in our content and publications, ultimately providing better value and insight for our followers.

With that being said, AIDPH is still interested in using its platform to promote the work of compelling organizations doing important dental health causes that may fall outside of our core focus groups, especially those with an intersectional focus. We invite you to send resources you’re interested in promoting related to specific issues in dental representation by contacting communication@aidph.org.

In addition, we’d love to see more awareness weeks from expert organizations for other marginalized populations in dentistry!

You can’t tell a patient is LGBTQIA+ just by looking at them. However, having an underlying background knowledge in LGBTQIA+ best-practices and inclusive language can help significantly improve patient experiences by reducing potential misunderstandings and microaggressions. Furthermore, considering that LGBTQIA+ people are less likely to visit a dentist, and are more likely to let dental issues go untreated, signaling to potential patients that your practice is tolerant and accepting can help patients feel more comfortable and welcome in your practice, encouraging greater visitation and retention.

Treating patients with dignity and respect is not “pushing a political agenda” — it is a basic and fundamental job responsibility required to be an effective healthcare provider. That means everyone, regardless of your personal opinions about how they express themselves and who they love. And, considering that according to some estimates, they make up nearly 8% of the adult population in the U.S., LGBTQIA+ individuals will inevitably make up a notable portion of most dental patient populations.

Even still, to say that AIDPH’s initiatives are solely for one political party would be factually incorrect. AIDPH has never promoted one particular affiliation over another, and has, since its conception, worked towards finding solutions to dental public health issues from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike through programs such as our Federal Service Immersion.

With all this in mind, AIDPH still feels it is important to recognize the political structures in place that keep oppressed groups from accessing the dental health care they need. By raising awareness to major issues, we can encourage open conversations that incorporate perspectives from across the political aisle.

LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week takes place during the second or third week of October every year in recognition of LGBT History Month. We look forward to your participation next year!

By participating in AIDPH’s LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week, you’ll gain a valuable platform to signal your organization as a supportive, forward-thinking changemaker while providing your constituents with practical and insightful tools, information, and content on pressing issues in LGBTQIA+ dentistry. Additionally, AIDPH will use its own platform to promote your organization, thereby positioning yourselves as an industry thought leader to our targeted audience of dental health professionals. More information on tier-by-tier partnership benefits will be available in our 2025 Partnership Toolkit, to be released during late summer/early fall of next year.

We’d love for you to join us as a partner in next year’s LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week! Our 2025 Interest Form (including tiers of participation) and Pledge will be available during late summer/early fall of next year. Fill out the form, sign the pledge, and a member of our team will reach out with more information on how to get involved.