ADEA Advisory Committees

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ADEA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The ADEA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (ADEA DIAC) advises the ADEA Board of Directors on issues related to diversity and inclusion in dental education.

The ADEA DIAC is comprised of the former ADEA Minority Affairs Advisory Committee (ADEA MAAC) and ADEA Women’s Affairs Advisory Committee (ADEA WAAC). The rationale for combining the two committees was based on contemporary diversity and inclusion frameworks, ADEA strategic goals, and the prevailing diversity and inclusion models on academic health center campuses that include multiple dimensions of diversity in academic dental institutions. 

The newly formed ADEA DIAC will retain a unique focus on women’s issues and those related to racial and ethnic minorities. Unique issues relative to racial/ethnic minority communities, women and the LGBT community include:

  • Underrepresentation in the dental school community and patient populations, and
  • Identity, advancement and a host of other topics that deserve unique focus and attention.

Within the new consolidated structure, committee members will continue to bring attention to and address issues regarding diverse communities. At the same time, cross-cutting issues exist that can impact learning and the quality of patient care, including inequity in treatment and general climate (cultural insensitivity, microaggressions, etc.).

The creation of the ADEA DIAC:

  1. Creates synergy between the issues.

    Consolidation creates an intentional space to increase the knowledge base within the membership about promising practices and provides an opportunity to share what works across the diversity and inclusion spectrum.

  2. Follows the trend at academic institutions across the country.
    Movement across the nation toward making excellence inclusive (quality and comprehensive strategies are needed) highlights learning and creating environments that maximize the benefits for all. All of the dimensions of diversity are included under one umbrella.
  3. Allows for more impactful program development.
    The consolidated committee will allow for a broad discussion about campus-wide diversity policies and practices in a holistic and comprehensive way. 


Members of the ADEA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee


Ana N. López-Fuentes, D.M.D., M.P.H. (Co-Chair)
Professor 
University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine

Dennis A. Mitchell, D.D.S., M.P.H. (Co-Chair)
Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement, Columbia University 
Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Professor of Dental Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center

Patricia Blanton, D.D.S., Ph.D. 
Professor Emeritus 
Texas A & M University College of Dentistry

Bertha Alacorn, D.D.S.
Clinical Managing Partner/Associate Professor 
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dentistry

Todd V. Ester , D.D.S., M.A.
Assistant Dean, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Tena Phillips, D.D.S.
Assistant Professor  
Chattanooga State Community College

M. Nathalia Garcia, D.D.S., M.S.
Associate Professor
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine

Christina Jones
Student, D2 
University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Scott Schwartz, D.D.S., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor 
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Rachel Hogan, D.M.D.
Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry
Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry

Colin M. Haley, D.D.S. 
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry

Rosa Chaviano-Moran, D.M.D.
Associate Dean for Admissions 
Rutgers, The State School of New Jersey College of Dental Medicine

Eugenia Mejia, M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D.
Senior Director for Admissions
New York University College of Dentistry

Board Appointees

Susan M. Ferrante
Board Director for the Corporate Council
School & Government Regional Sales Manager
A-dec

Michael S. Reddy, D.M.D., D.M.Sc.
Board Director of Deans 
Dean
University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry