A Case for Inclusion
The ADA Perspective: Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cesar R. Sabates President-elect, American Dental Association
In everything we do, the American Dental Association strives to fulfill its mission—to help all dentists succeed and support the advancement of public health—and to be led by its vision of achieving optimal health for all. As the president-elect of the ADA, I recognize that the elements of how we succeed are multifaceted. But I also believe that by adhering to our values—two of which are diversity and inclusion—we will succeed in driving dentistry forward. Taking a stand on health equity is one way to bring these principles to life. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, it has shed light on blatant inequities that have plagued our health care system for decades. The data are clear—communities of color have been disproportionately more affected by COVID-19. But the 57
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, it has shed light on blatant inequities that have plagued our health care system for decades. The data are clear—communities of color have been disproportionately more affected by COVID-19. But the issue is bigger than this pandemic alone, and the topic of health equity has come to greater prominence throughout all of health care. issue is bigger than this pandemic alone, and the topic of health equity has come to greater prominence throughout all of health care. The ADA’s Health Policy Institute published infographics highlighting racial disparities in oral health, indicating that Black and Hispanic people across all age groups are most likely to face cost barriers to dental care. The data also find that racial disparities in cost barriers have widened for adults and senior citizens.
2021 Volume 88, Number 3
