The ADEA Center for Equity and Diversity (CED) was established in 1998. Since its inception, the Center has developed a strong infrastructure to accomplish many diversity goals, which include: receiving grants totaling more than $22 million; establishing strong collaborations with associations and organizations; and providing extensive support to programs, conferences, and research to increase diversity in dental education.
The center's activities are informed by two advisory committees. The Women's Affairs Advisory Committee and the Minority Affairs Advisory Committee guide the center in:
- Promoting the advancement of women and minorities in dental education
- Improving the recruitment, retention, and development of underrepresented minorities at academic dental institutions
- Promoting the value of diversity in health policy development and advocacy
- Fostering alliances and leveraging resources to promote and sustain diversity initiatives