Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commons^™

Oct. 2026 - A Lifetime Of Saying Yes To Service, Timothy Rath

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This biographical feature profiles Dr. Raymond Gist, celebrating his receipt of the key to the city of Flint, Michigan, and his six-decade career in dentistry. Tracing his journey from Flint to becoming the first Black president of the American Dental Association (ADA), the story highlights his dedication to patient care, mentorship, and leadership within organized dentistry. Dr. Gist encourages early-career and underrepresented dentists to embrace leadership roles and community involvement, demonstrating how committing to service elevates the profession and advances oral health equity.

The New Professional: The Legacy Of Women In Dentistry, And Your Place In It, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Women now constitute over half of dental graduates, transforming the profession’s culture and leadership. While women hold a majority of seats on the MDA Board of Trustees, wage disparities, underrepresentation in certain specialties, and work-life balance pressures remain challenges. The author emphasizes that the legacy of women in dentistry is an active, evolving force. New professionals have the opportunity and responsibility to advance this legacy by engaging in mentorship, advocating for fair workplace policies, pursuing ownership, and serving as role models. This ensures the profession is defined by opportunities rather than barriers.

A Strategic Audit: Eli Lilly & Company, Natalie Karrels, Ethan Heinemann, Jonathan Patton, Meg Williams

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This strategic audit assesses the external and internal forces impacting Eli Lilly & Company’s strategic decision-making strategies. All information has been gathered from industry reports and company reports, including reports for investors, analyst calls, financial statements, and news reports. The report highlights the quantitative, qualitative, performance, strategy, and leadership decisions that have allowed Eli Lilly & Company to succeed for the past 150 years.

Podcasting Towards Togetherness: Utilizing Podcasts To Improve Departmental Camaraderie And Well-Being, Michael Petrauskis, Colleen Gutman, Rosemarie Fernandez

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Physician burnout is on the rise, and this is of particular concern in emergency medicine. Burnout is associated with medical errors, adverse events, poor professionalism, and litigation. A sense of community can build engagement and mitigate workplace stressors on well-being. Emergency physicians may have trouble connecting due to the nature of shift-work and various practice settings. Communication technology, and particularly podcasting, has the potential to help overcome these barriers and positively impact relatedness and well-being.

Approach: We developed an inward-facing podcast, “The ER Break Room” within the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida. Through the …

Determinants Of Salary Variation And The Gender Pay Gap: A Survey Of The American Association Of Hip And Knee Surgeons (Aahks) Surgeon Member Workforce, Prem N. Ramkumar, Jenna A. Bernstein, David C. Landy, David E. Demik, Justin T. Deen, Reena J. Olsen, Anna Cohen-Rosenblum

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: The increased emphasis on reimbursement, diversity, and burnout in hip and knee arthroplasty necessitates a foundational understanding of the surgeon workforce. The purpose of the study was to cross sectionally survey a representative sample of the AAHKS surgeon membership on the subject of salary, practice patterns, and demographic factors to establish a baseline framework for future advocacy efforts and initiatives. Methods: An online survey was sent to AAHKS members between December 20, 2022 and January 19, 2023. Surgeon demographic data, experience, practice geography and type, and annual case volume were solicited. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to describe …

Staff Matters: Assessing Health Benefits For Lgbtq+ Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

To support LGBTQ+ employees, understand your health benefits by asking key questions about domestic partner coverage, mental health benefits, transgender healthcare, IVF, and surrogacy coverage, and identifying LGBTQ+-friendly providers. Regularly check in with staff to ensure benefits meet their needs and consider making changes if necessary. Proactively share benefit information throughout the year to enhance employee recruitment, retention, and engagement.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

The July issue of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) journal focuses on the member and public value of the association's Public Education Campaign through a cover story "Smile Brighter Michigan!". It also features articles on:

• How to get value from your MDA membership

• Joining the MDA Forensic Dental Team

• A new professional column, News you need, an editorial and regular department articles covering MDA …

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Staff Matters: Supporting Working Parents As A Recruitment And Retention Strategy, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Supporting employees who are parents is essential. Harvard data shows 73% of employees have caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the need for proactive strategies. First, communicate with employees to understand their needs for flexibility. Consider offering flexible schedules, part-time roles, and on-call staff to manage absences. Partnering with local childcare providers for sick coverage and allowing children at work occasionally can also help. Clear communication and defined parameters for flexibility are crucial. Implementing these strategies can build a supportive culture, enhancing employee retention and commitment.

Building A Unified Dental Team, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Unity is essential for dental teams to function cohesively, especially post-COVID-19. Effective unity involves clear communication, shared goals, and trust among team members. Embracing diversity and respecting all cultures are crucial. Regular team meetings and activities, both on-site and off-site, help foster unity. Utilizing resources like DiSC® training can also enhance team cohesion.

Health Equity Innovation To End Clinicians’ Unconscious Bias When Caring For Emergency Department Patients, Kenneth Forte, Adam Chess, April Alfano, Keri Bill, Cheryl Green, Mary Christoffersen, Joubin Bavarian

Posters

Bridgeport Hospital has successfully improved patient care by implementing Individualized Clinical Bias Scores (ICBS) for triage nurses in our emergency department (ED). Through the use of data analysis, we identified that patients of color were being assigned less urgent acuities when presenting with the same complaints as white patients. By addressing this implicit bias and implementing a new system of ICBS for our ED Triage Nurses, we have seen a significant improvement in the equitable treatment of all patients regardless of race or ethnicity.

The Nature And Validity Of Implicit Bias Training For Health Care Providers And Trainees: A Systematic Review, Nao Hagiwara, Conor Duffy, John Cyrus, Nadia Harika, Ginger S. Watson, Tiffany L. Green

VMASC Publications

The number of health care educational institutions/organizations adopting implicit bias training is growing. Our systematic review of 77 studies (published 1 January 2003 through 21 September 2022) investigated how implicit bias training in health care is designed/delivered and whether gaps in knowledge translation compromised the reliability and validity of the training. The primary training target was race/ethnicity (49.3%); trainings commonly lack specificity on addressing implicit prejudice or stereotyping (67.5%). They involved a combination of hands-on and didactic approaches, lasting an average of 343.15 min, often delivered in a single day (53.2%). Trainings also exhibit translational gaps, diverging from current literature …

Staff Matters: Holiday Celebrations That Engage And Appreciate Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Staff Matters column addresses a dentist's concerns about organizing inclusive end-of-year holiday celebrations for the staff. The response emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse religious practices and fostering camaraderie. Suggestions include a themed recipe exchange, outdoor activities, community service, or involving staff in event planning. Emphasizing the need for initial guidance to align with goals, the column encourages inclusive celebrations that contribute to staff satisfaction, retention, and a positive workplace atmosphere.

Mda Foundation: How Foundation Grants Assist Dei Efforts At Detroit Mercy, U-M, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article provides information on the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Michigan’s two dental schools and details how the MDA Foundation is supporting these programs. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s monthly MDA Foundation department.

Mental Health In The Dental Workplace: Recognizing Signs, Communicating Concern, And Sharing Resources, Karen M. O'Brien, Karoline J. Trovato

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dentists face numerous concerns in the workplace, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Mental health concerns affect the workplace in profound ways, including engagement in and quality of work and patient care, the level of productivity, and health care costs. Recognizing mental health concerns is an important first step in assisting dentists and their staff in receiving needed assistance from mental health professionals. Steps that dentists can use to communicate their concerns and share resources are provided. Finally, a prevention model is presented to promote mental health and workplace well-being in the practice of dentistry.

The Great Abdication, Chester Gary Dds, Jd

The New York State Dental Journal

Healthcare stakeholders abdicate their duty to provide quality general and oral healthcare to all populations when they fail to uptrain members of the general and oral healthcare workforce to meet accredited standards for the services rendered.

Improving Access For Children And Adults With Disabilities Through Enhanced Commercial Benefits, Holli Seabury Edd, Jeff Johnston Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the critical issue of accessibility to oral healthcare for people with disabilities in the United States. Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana has taken a step by providing enhanced commercial benefits to children and adults with disabilities. The article delves into the challenges faced by this vulnerable population, including cost barriers and transition issues, and discusses how expanded benefits and coding, along with special dental care provisions, aim to improve access. It emphasizes the importance of proper benefits verification and presents a case study illustrating the utilization of these benefits. The article highlights the need for …

Health Occupations Salary Outcomes: Intersections Of Student Race, Gender, And First‑Generation Status, Peggy Gesing, Mohan D. Pant, Amanda K. Burbage

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Greater diversity in the healthcare workforce has been identified as a critical need in serving an increasingly diverse population. Higher education institutions have been tasked with increasing the number of underrepresented students in the health occupations pipeline to better align with the demographics of the general population and meet the need for a diverse health occupations workforce. This study used the National Science Foundation’s National Survey of College Graduates dataset to capture data across time, examining the intersectionality of race, gender, and first-generation status on the salary outcomes of students who earn degrees related to health occupations. Results indicate that …

Ensuring An Inclusive Environment For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Patients, Joseph Samona Dds, Michael Korleski Rdh, Bsdh, Stephen J. Stefanac Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article emphasizes the need for an inclusive environment in dental practice for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) patients. It sheds light on the challenges faced by DHH patients during dental appointments, such as communication barriers due to mask-wearing and lack of sign language interpreters. The article highlights the importance of using proper terminology, understanding communication preferences, and providing accommodations to ensure effective communication with DHH patients. It also discusses legal requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide reasonable accommodations. Ensuring inclusivity in dental practice is essential to improving access to care and enhancing oral health outcomes …

Staff Matters: When Do Comments About Age Become Discriminatory?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Age-related comments in the workplace can lead to discrimination and legal consequences. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees aged 40 or older, while Michigan law extends protection to all ages. Harassment based on age can create a hostile work environment and result in lawsuits. Employers should address such issues, educate employees about discrimination and bias, and promote a culture that values diversity.

Peer Review/Ethics: How Can Our Office Be More Inclusive Of Transgender Patients?, Debra Peters Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this professional ethics article, Dr. Debra Peters of the ADA’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs addresses the need for dental teams to be more inclusive of transgender patients, emphasizing the challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals in accessing dental care. The article recommends providing training and resources for dental teams, highlighting the importance of first impressions and effective communication during patient interactions. Practical suggestions include incorporating affirmed name and gender options in registration forms, ensuring appropriate language in interactions, and addressing insurance claim discrepancies. The column promotes creating a respectful environment and cites the …

Commentary: The Role Of The Mda’S Committee On Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion, Mehul Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Commentary emphasizes the Michigan Dental Association's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning with its 2021-25 strategic plan. The Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is tasked with monitoring demographic trends, enhancing inclusion, recommending equity actions, and improving member value for diverse dentists. Rejecting perceptions of tokenism, the committee underscores the importance of embracing diversity beyond race, including various dimensions like age, gender identity, and practice setting. Encouraging members to actively contribute, the commentary emphasizes the role of diversity in strengthening the MDA and advancing oral healthcare.

Destination Dental School: A Remote Pipeline Program To Increase Student Diversity, Thikriat Al-Jewair Dds, Ms, Frcd(C), Jessica Scates Med

The New York State Dental Journal

Promoting diversity among dental school applicants and enrollees is key to tackling oral health disparities and improving learning outcomes. Building the pipeline has proven to be an effective method to increase diversity and heighten interest in dentistry among students. Destination Dental School is an 8-week remote pipeline program aimed at increasing diversity of historically underrepresented minority (HURM) students in the field of dental medicine. Pre- and post-program surveys showed that the program was effective in fostering HURM students’ interest in dentistry and increasing their knowledge and preparedness for dental school applications.

A Call To Do Better: Addressing Diversity Within The Dental Profession, Fabiola Milord Dds, Mph

The New York State Dental Journal

Current systems have not been successful in addressing the existing racial inequities between black dental professionals and other racial groups. This group in particular seems to have less visibility and representation in organized dentistry. Nowhere has this been more obvious that during the COVID-19 pandemic whereby African-American professionals were not as prominently featured in offering their viewpoint and expertise. In this paper, insights regarding the topic of diversity are discussed in order to gain perspective into a situation that has existed far too long.

Diversity, Equity And Inclusion (And Greatness), Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

As NYSDA moves to correct deficiencies in its makeup, it also pays homage to a fallen leader.

Inclusion Of The Mobility Impaired In Our Community: Ask First!, Jeffrey M. Heinz Dds, Msd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This DEI Series feature article provides a unique perspective on the inclusion of individuals with physical disabilities, focusing on mobility impairment, in the dental profession and community. The author, a paraplegic orthodontist, shares personal experiences and challenges, shedding light on the importance of considering physical disabilities in dental offices. Navigational difficulties in compliant yet wheelchair-unfriendly spaces are discussed, urging practitioners to have contingency plans. The article emphasizes the significance of etiquette in assisting individuals with disabilities, encouraging respectful communication and asking before offering help. Practical insights on dental chair usage and transfer assistance are provided, promoting a more inclusive environment …

Beyond Diversity, Unity And Innovation, Chester Gary Dds, Jd

The New York State Dental Journal

Dentistry must focus diversity initiatives upon universal human traits and opportunities for growth and reform.

Ua35/3 Memoranda, Wku Provost

WKU Administration Documents

2020 memoranda issued by the WKU Provost to faculty & staff via email.

• Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning January Workshops
• Fall to Fall Retention of All FFY as of Census by Selected Categories
• Updates fromt the Provost
• COVID-19
• COVID-19 or Coronavirus Update
• COVID-19 Update from the Provost's Office
• Announcing the 2020 College Faculty Award Winners
• WKU Announces New Associate Provost for Research & Graduate Education
• Budget Communication
• Summer School Updates from the Provost
• Amendment to PDF Policy
• FY2020-21 Budget Executive Committee Recommendations
• Provost's Message

Ua61/1 Faculty Handbook, Wku School Of Nursing

WKU Administration Documents

Faculty handbook created by and for the WKU School of Nursing faculty.