Dear Students:
The Student National Dental Association, the Council of Students, Residents and Fellows of the American Dental Education Association, and the American Student Dental Association stand in solidarity against racism and social injustices.
As student organizations, we stand in solidarity to acknowledge that Black Lives Matter and as such, we are committed to ensuring that we work collectively to eradicate systemic oppression and racism in our field and the communities we serve.
Our associations recognize the implications of racism on communities of color and empathize with the burden they carry. We are dedicated to the work required to make changes in our institutions and society. As dental and allied dental students and future leaders in dentistry, we must actively seek to cultivate an environment free of discrimination. It is our responsibility to ensure this happens in our schools, clinics, and communities. We are determined to reduce health inequities and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We acknowledge that everyone's dental school and program experiences differ in regard to inequity, discrimination, and privilege. Our associations are dedicated to working together to cultivate equitable academic spaces. We encourage each of you to leave a positive, lasting impact at your institutions and in your communities. We also encourage you to become culturally competent dentists, and to alleviate the burden of racism in healthcare.
To assist in these efforts, please take the time to educate yourselves on the plight of Black lives in America. We urge you to seek out antiracist material and become informed advocates. From reading articles to listening to podcasts to watching documentaries, there are more accessible resources regarding others' backgrounds now than ever before. As you enhance your knowledge, begin to speak up against injustices that you observe inside your institutions and in your daily lives. Commit to being an ally for the most vulnerable among us.
Though we each play a role in changing society, there is strength in our collective voice. We plan to continue our collaboration and work to ensure that your voices are heard. Together, we have the potential to dismantle racism and empower the voiceless.
