Diversity & Inclusion

Advancing Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Leaders

• Summary of Diversity Matters Event at 2022 AADOCR Annual Meeting

  On the final day of the 2022 AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) hosted a Symposium Session reflecting upon the dire need to diversify the dental, oral, and craniofacial researcher pipeline. Students from Morehouse and Spelman Colleges heard presentations from several AADOCR members outlining their experiences as researchers within the dental health space, their career trajectories, and what it means to be a researcher from a minority population within the current research and social climate. They explored research projects through the lens of current student researchers, and connected 1:1 with leaders from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and AADOCR Members. The day wrapped up with presentations from representatives of the University of California San Francisco regarding the requirements to be accepted into dental school and the added dedication it takes to pursue a career in research. The students undoubtedly formed robust connections that expanded their network and will pay dividends for years to come. The CDI will continue to engage these students as they navigate their academic careers supporting their skillset development, knowledge acquisition, confidence building and cultural competence.