In recognition of World Oral Health Day, held in March, the Delta Dental Institute is launching a new campaign, Driving Greater Diversity in the Oral Health Workforce, to help increase the number of oral health professionals from historically underrepresented groups.
According to a news release, while racial and ethnic diversity among health professionals is linked to improved outcomes and greater health equity, the current oral health workforce does not reflect the changing demographics of the U.S. population. The Delta Dental Institute's campaign will drive toward a more diverse oral health workforce by establishing the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund and by supporting initiatives in oral health education, research, and community investment.
"There is an urgent need to address the ongoing lack of minority representation in the oral health professions,” said James Hutchison, president and CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association. “As the nation’s oral health leader, we have a responsibility to tackle this issue head-on and make progress toward improving outcomes and advancing oral health equity for all.”
The Driving Greater Diversity in the Oral Health Workforce campaign will:
"Taking a multifaceted approach to addressing the barriers historically underrepresented groups face in choosing careers in oral health is critical to creating sustainable change in the industry," said Vivian Vasallo, executive director of the Delta Dental Institute. "Through this campaign, we will elevate the need for a more diverse oral health workforce and support the advancement of actionable solutions. We are eager to see unique, innovative proposals brought forward for consideration by the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund."
For those interested in applying for the Delta Dental Oral Health Diversity Fund and learning more about this campaign, please visit deltadentalinstitute.com/fund. Eligible applicants must be based in the U.S., and may include 501(c)(3) organizations, private businesses, or limited or general partnerships.
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