LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week
Solidarity in Action: From Allies to Accomplices
In 2022, AIDPH hosted the inaugural LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week, an educational campaign designed to highlight the specific oral health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community for dental and public health professionals. Building on this foundation, the 2023 campaign deepened its focus on cultural responsiveness, inclusive resources, emerging research, and transitioning from allyship to active accomplice.
While the 2023 campaign has ended, use the resources below to take action and confront systems of inequity all year. Stay tuned for more information on the 2024 LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week!
Resources
In 2023, AIDPH developed numerous resources, such as publications and toolkits, with associated activities and calls to action.
- Improving Knowledge, Comfort, and Attitudes for LGBTQIA+ Clinical Care and Dental Education — This research brief provides valuable insights and strategic recommendations regarding knowledge gaps and comfort levels among oral health professionals.
- LGBTQIA+ Cultural Responsiveness for Oral Health Providers—This workbook was designed to help oral health providers identify and understand implicit biases and become more attuned, compassionate, and culturally responsive caregivers.
- Inclusive Interactions Checklist—This list provides actions dental practices (and other healthcare settings) can take to foster inclusivity. It includes resources for making quick and impactful improvements.
- Advocacy in Action Guide — This tool outlines various forms of advocacy and provides ideas to improve oral health within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Commit to LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Equity
AIDPH is dedicated not only to continuing but also expanding LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week. Our future campaigns will focus on tailoring and enhancing tools and resources to meet the community’s evolving needs. This includes integrating new research findings, developing more inclusive health communication strategies, and establishing partnerships within and beyond the field of oral health.
We invite oral health professionals to join us in pledging their commitment to equitable care. Sign our pledge to become active accomplices in pursuit of inclusive, respectful, and high-quality care for LGBTQIA+ individuals. By signing the pledge, we can keep you informed about this year’s campaign and other LGBTQIA+ oral health initiatives.
