Quick Summary: CDA is a proud sponsor of the American Institute of Dental Public Health’s LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week Oct. 21-25. Dentists: Read on to learn about LGBTQIA+ oral health disparities, and access resources to help you foster an inclusive practice.
The American Institute of Dental Public Health will once again bring awareness to LGBTQIA+ community challenges and reaffirm its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patients through LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week. The theme for 2024 is “Pride in Knowledge: Transforming LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Through Education.”
The event takes place Oct. 21-25 and is an integral part of AIDPH’s pledge to address the oral health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ communities.
LGTQIA+ individuals have less access to dental care
Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ individuals are less likely to have access to 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 issues – including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer — that can affect their overall well-being.
Research conducted by CareQuest found that LGBTQ+ individuals were 31% more likely than non-LGBTQ+ individuals to say their most recent dental visit was two or more years ago. Also, people identifying as LGBTQ+ were 77% more likely to report they had visited an emergency department for dental care within the past year compared to those not identifying as LGBTQ+.
To help address these disparities, dentists across California can participate in various educational and outreach activities Oct. 21-25. Each day will feature a new theme with activities to elevate all community voices. This year, CDA is sponsoring Wednesday’s theme of “Building Inclusive Practices: Continuing Education for Dental Professionals.” To learn more about creating an LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment, access the Inclusive Interactions Toolkit.
Dental professionals can sign the LGBTQIA+ pledge
At the heart of this initiative is the AIDPH’s LGBTQIA+ pledge. 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 bias.
CDA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging policy reaffirms its commitment to combating barriers that permeate the health care system and other parts of society and lead to poor health outcomes for patients. In acknowledgement of the shared goal to provide equal and affirming care, CDA has signed AIDPH’s LGBTQIA+ pledge.
CDA advocates for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in policy, education
CDA is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity for patients and providers through legislative policy and educational offerings.
CDA in 2024 formally supported Assembly Bill 3031 (Lee), which would have established the LGBTQ+ Commission in California. Although the bill was vetoed, CDA’s support for the commission helped to inform the state on how to create inclusive policies and effectively use its resources to combat disparities, including oral health disparities, in the LGBTQIA+ population.
CDA also formally supported Senate Bill 372 (Menjivar), which was signed into law in September 2023 and requires the Dental Board of California and other boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs to update a licensee’s or permittee’s name when the person has changed their legal name or gender.
CDA is committed to continuing education that supports culturally responsive providers in building inclusive practices. CDA’s 2023 live course “LGBTQIA+ Issues Impacting Dentistry” included panelists Dr. 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 spectrum of professional and clinical issues impacting LGBTQIA+ dentists, team members and patients. Panelists discussed how office culture can impact a dentist’s or dental team member’s ability to feel safe and true to themselves.
The panelists recommended dentists take the following actions:
Provide LGBTQIA+ cultural sensitivity training for dentists and practice team members.Educate themselves 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 people profession,” Dr. Frey said “We are here to serve various walks of life. Being able to participate on the CDA LGBTQ+ panel and share what I have been advocating for many years was such an honor. I am excited to see how organized dentistry will help facilitate talks from more diverse perspectives so that we can all better serve our communities.”
LGBTQIA+ resources for dentists and practice teams
Creating a welcoming and safe place for LGBTQIA+ patients begins with education and training. Here are some reputable resources to help you learn more about LGBTQIA+ oral health and better serve your LGBTQIA+ patients.
As California dentists come together to participate in LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week and commit to the AIPDH’s LGBTQIA+ pledge, they are taking a significant step toward reducing barriers and ensuring that dental care is accessible, welcoming and safe for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By doing so, they are promoting a more equitable and inclusive health care system for all Californians.