Lack of diversity is one of the foremost challenges of dental education today. The problem pervades students and faculty alike, and the effects are far-reaching. Propagated by systemic social inequity, this issue has limited the number of people of color working in dentistry and created a shortage of oral health professionals in underserved areas.

The Committee on Diversity and Inclusion is working to fight these inequities. Composed of the Diversity Deans of New York State’s six dental schools, the Committee takes decisive, actionable steps towards solving the lack of diversity in our state’s dental schools.