In recent years, issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) have become an integral part of the strategic development of medical and dental companies. Dentistry, as a professional and academic environment, is increasingly viewed not only through the lens of clinical innovation but also from the standpoint of social responsibility, equal access to opportunities, and the representation of diverse groups of specialists. In this context, initiatives aimed at supporting dentists from underrepresented communities and developing their leadership and educational potential are of particular relevance.
The company Dentsply Sirona, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dental equipment and materials, announced the completion of the Speaker Development Program by a new cohort of participants — eight dentists from communities of color who are members of the National Dental Association of the United States (NDA). This event marks an important milestone within the long-term partnership between Dentsply Sirona and the NDA and clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to DE&I principles in the dental industry.
Originally, the speaker development program was launched by Dentsply Sirona in 2020 under the name “First to 50” and was focused on women dentists. Since its inception, over 90 participants have successfully completed the course, confirming the demand and practical value of this format.
In 2024, the company expanded the program’s concept by launching a separate stream in partnership with the NDA, available exclusively to U.S. dentists of color. Participants were offered a structured course on developing speaking competencies, designed for professionals at various levels of experience. The primary goal of the program was to amplify the professional voice of these dentists, boost their confidence, and create conditions for active knowledge sharing with colleagues and professional communities.
Commenting on the program’s outcomes, Julie Mrzyglocki, Vice President of Restorative Solutions and Executive Sponsor of the Global DE&I Council at Dentsply Sirona, emphasized that participating in the program allowed the dentists to significantly hone their public speaking skills and strengthen their confidence in their own professional competencies. According to her, the company eagerly anticipates that the program’s graduates will become influential speakers and opinion leaders in the dental field.
The Speaker Development Program is part of Dentsply Sirona’s broader sustainability strategy called “BEYOND: Taking Action for a Brighter World.” The collaboration with the National Dental Association has been ongoing for the third year and is systematic and multi-faceted in nature.
On Dentsply Sirona’s side, the partnership is overseen by the internal initiative BOLD@DS (Black Organization for Leadership & Development@DS), which is an employee and ally resource group focused on enhancing the professional experience of Black employees and developing an inclusive corporate culture.
During the annual NDA conference, Dentsply Sirona made a significant contribution to the event’s educational program by funding two training courses dedicated to digital dentistry and orthodontic solutions using aligners. In addition, the conference showcased the latest dental technologies and products from the company at two specialized exhibition booths, allowing attendees to acquaint themselves with advanced clinical and digital solutions.
The National Dental Association brings together over 10,000 dentists from minority groups and plays a key role in improving the quality of dental care in underserved communities. In addition to clinical activities, the NDA actively works to expand educational opportunities for representatives of groups traditionally underrepresented in oral healthcare.
NDA President Nicole Cheek noted that as the partnership with Dentsply Sirona enters its third year, both sides remain firmly committed to advancing inclusivity and supporting dentists from minority groups. She emphasized the importance of having a partner that shares the values of equality and fairness in the profession.
In 2024, Dentsply Sirona was recognized by Newsweek as one of the “Best Employers for Diversity.” According to the company’s latest sustainability report, 54% of global hires in 2023 came from diverse social and ethnic groups, and over 10,000 employees participated in DE&I awareness training programs and initiatives.
The Speaker Development Program in partnership with the NDA demonstrates how targeted educational and corporate initiatives can contribute to shaping a more equitable, representative, and sustainable dental industry. Supporting the professional growth of dentists from underrepresented communities not only strengthens their individual career paths but also enriches the entire field, creating conditions for higher quality, more accessible, and socially conscious dental care.
The problem of illegal medical practice remains one of the most acute challenges for healthcare systems in developing countries, where
Modern dentistry is undergoing not only a technological but also a social transformation, in which the changing gender balance in
OTEXE.COM uses cookies to personalize the services and improve the usability of the site. If you do not want to use cookies, please disable them in your browser settings.
