Statement of ADEA Policy on Diversity and Inclusion
The need for such a statement:
- To facilitate communication of the ADEA Principles of Diversity and Inclusion through a common language.
- To lend support to ADEA’s mission, policies and programs that promote diversity and inclusion throughout dental, allied dental and advanced dental education.
- To meet the current and expanded role of ADEA in promoting diversity and inclusion now and in the future.
ADEA, in its leadership role, will constantly strive to be a model of diversity and inclusion. ADEA’s Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students and members, therefore, must resemble the diversity that is so proudly reflected in the citizenry of our nation.
Diversity and inclusion are critical components of success in a global context and in an ever changing world. ADEA’s ability to promote effective inclusion practices is necessary to fulfill our mission and to the quality of the dental education system.
ADEA’s value of diversity is embedded in respect and appreciation of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation, behaviors and perspectives of each individual. To be inclusive is to collectively utilize the unique talents and perspectives from the diverse array of individuals that constitute the dental education community and its partners. Thus, ADEA believes that the number of graduates of dental and allied dental programs should reflect their representation in the population and the communities in which they will serve. Recruitment, retention and graduation of practitioners from disadvantaged groups are goals that are important for the public’s health. Diversity within faculty will play a critical role in the professional development of a culturally competent dental workforce for the future.
Additionally, ADEA’s ability to advocate for effective inclusion practices throughout dental education positions our members to be of value to the increasingly diverse system of higher education in the United States and to the oral health imperative of the nation.
ADEA strongly endorses the continuous use of practices that achieve excellence through diversity and inclusion.
Adopted by the ADEA Board of Directors, September 29, 2006