CDA supports LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week with a commitment to comprehensive care and shares resources for dentists

In an important step toward promoting inclusive and equitable oral health care, the American Dental Public Health Institute will raise LGBTQIA+ awareness and reaffirm its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patients through the Week of LGBTQIA+ Oral Health. The event runs from October 16-20 to raise awareness of the unique oral health challenges faced by individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. The week is an integral part of AIDPH to address oral health disparities facing LGBTQIA+ communities.

LGTQIA+ individuals have less access to dental care

Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ individuals are less likely to access dental care, often due to concerns about discrimination or a lack of support from health care providers. Consequently, they are more likely to face oral health problems – including cavities, gum disease and oral cancer – that can affect their overall well-being.

In one report, research found that LGBTQ+ individuals were 31% more likely than non-LGBTQ+ individuals to say their most recent visit to the dentist was two or more years ago. Also, people who identified as LGBTQ+ were 77% more likely to report having visited an emergency department for dental care in the past year compared to those who did not identify as LGBTQ+.

To help address these disparities, dentists across California can participate in a variety of educational and outreach activities from October 16-20. Each day there will be a new theme with activities to raise the voices of the whole community.

AIPDH’s LGBTQIA+ pledge promotes equal and affirming care

At the heart of this initiative is AIDPH’s LGBTQIA+ commitment. The pledge calls on dental professionals to commit to providing equitable, culturally sensitive and affirming care to LGBTQIA+ patients. By signing the pledge, dentists promise to create an inclusive atmosphere in their practices, where all patients, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can receive the care they need without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

CDA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongingness Policy reaffirms its commitment to tackling barriers that permeate the healthcare system and other parts of society and lead to poor health outcomes for patients. In recognition of the shared goal of providing equitable and affirming care, CDA has signed the AIDPH LGBTQIA+ Pledge.

Equipping dentists and their teams for inclusiveness

CDA is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusion for patients and providers through legislative policy and our educational offerings.

CDA formally supported Senate Bill 372 (Menjivar), which passed into law in September 2023. This law requires the California Dental Board and other boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs to update the name of a licensee or permittee when the person has change his legal name or gender.

Last month, at CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry in San Jose, CDA hosted “LGBTQIA+ Issues Impacting Dentistry” with panelists Drs. Robert Frey, Alice Kessler, JD, and Robert Zhou, a student at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry They discussed a range of professional and clinical issues affecting dentists, team members, and LGBTQIA+ patients. Panelists discussed how office culture can affect a dentist or dental team member’s ability to feel confident and true to themselves.

The panelists recommended that dentists take the following actions:

• Provide LGBTQIA+ cultural sensitivity training to dentists and practice team members.
• Educate yourself and their staff about LGBTQIA+ terminology, issues and concerns.

• Create a safe and affirming environment for all patients and practice team members.
• Use inclusive language and respect pronouns.
• Get involved in CDA and dental school leadership.

“We have to remember that we, dentists, are in a profession of people,” said Dr. Frey “We are here to serve different walks of life. To be able to participate in the CDA LGBTQ+ panel and share what I have championed for so many years was such an honor. I am thrilled to I see how organized dentistry will help facilitate conversations from more diverse perspectives so we can all better serve our communities.”

LGBTQIA+ resources for dentists and practice teams

Creating a welcoming and safe place for LGBTQIA+ patients starts with education and training. Here are some reputable resources to help you learn more about LGBTQIA+ oral health and better serve your LGBTQIA+ patients.

1. University of Minnesota: a six-hour online course on providing care for LGBTQ+ youth and youth.
2. University of Pennsylvania: recorded webinars and resource guides to advance effective communication, cultural competence, and patient- and family-centered care for the LGBTQ+ community.

As California dentists come together to participate in LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week and commit to AIPDH’s commitment to LGBTQ+, they are taking an important step toward reducing barriers and ensuring that dental care is accessible , welcoming and safe for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender. identity. In doing so, they are promoting a more equitable and comprehensive health care system for all Californians.