A diverse workplace in the dental industry brings a wealth of benefits that enhance both patient care and staff dynamics. Embracing diversity within dental practices fosters a richer understanding of different cultural perspectives and patient needs, leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans. This inclusivity not only improves patient satisfaction and trust but also cultivates a collaborative environment among team members.
Nationally, only 3.8% of dentists are Black, 6% are Hispanic, and 19.8% are Asian with just over a third of the workforce identifying as female (American Dental Association). When searching for dentist job opportunities, it’s crucial to consider diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives. Here are a few reasons why these factors should be on your job search wish list.
Improving Workplace Culture and Morale
According to LinkedIn Learning, diverse companies are over 35% more productive and make better decisions 87% of the time. When team members from different backgrounds feel a sense of comfort, they bring unique solutions to the table, enhancing collaborative creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
When dental practices embrace diversity, they cultivate an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected, leading to a positive sentiment among patients, staff, and community partners! This inclusivity boosts morale, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
Consider searching for opportunities that focus on curating a safe space for employees to feel appreciated and understood. Working with a team that increases engagement and motivation, through wellness programs and continued education programs promotes the importance of workplace culture. Support from the dental practice of your choosing will equip you with the tools needed to make a positive impact within your community.
Connecting With a Wide Patient Base
The benefits of cultural diversity are important for everyone, not just team members.When patients see themselves represented in their care teams, they feel more at ease, are more willing to open up about their health issues, and establish greater trust in their treatment and follow-up care. This representation leads to an enhanced patient care experience.
As stated by Penn Dental Medicine, although 80% of dental staff feel spaces and experience are suitable, only 40% of patients believe they are. A different study shown by Penn Dental Medicine states that of the 71% of the LGBTQ+ community who visit the dentist, 43% felt uncomfortable, and 34% reported experiencing unfair treatment due to their orientation.
Diverse dental offices in Michigan create opportunities to address the unique needs of their patient population. With various perspectives within the office, patients gain a better sense of trust and comfort, which are essential components of intentional care for all.
Questions to Consider
With disparities evident in the dental field, it’s essential to ask thoughtful questions during interviews to ensure you’re joining a practice that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Consider inquiring about their specific programs and initiatives. Here are some questions you might ask:
- Can you describe your practice’s diversity, equity, and inclusivity programs?
- What initiatives do you have in place to support a diverse workforce?
- How does your practice address cultural competence and sensitivity in patient care?
- Are there professional development opportunities focused on diversity and inclusion?
- Can you provide examples of how diversity has positively impacted your team and patient care?
- What measures do you take to ensure an inclusive environment for all employees?
- How do you track and measure the success of your diversity and inclusion efforts?
MCDC’s Diversity Commitment
My Community Dental Centers is improving community health by providing accessible, quality dental care for everyone. By accepting the Michigan Medicaid Program, CareCredit Financing Options, partnering with foundations and grant funders, and offering quality dental services at a sliding scale based on income we are committed to providing equitable financial solutions.
Joining a team whose employee culture reflects its patient base is essential for building stronger outreach initiatives, particularly for underserved patients. Our commitment to team bonding opportunities, mentorship, and development programs further strengthens this mission. With 89% of our staff being female and 11% male, and 45% of our dentists being female, we proudly mirror the diversity we serve. Our employees’ ages range from their 20s to 80s underscoring our dedication to a dynamic and diverse workforce.
While our data focuses solely on gender and age, we strongly believe that Diversity encompasses more than just that. It encompasses factors such as race, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, education, religion, geographic location, language, and cognitive diversity. True diversity acknowledges and appreciates these various aspects, promoting inclusivity and cultivating a creative and vibrant environment in communities, workplaces, and dental settings that embrace everyone.
MCDC is proud to be led by Dr. Deborah Brown, a Black leader, dentist, veteran, and LGBTQ+ member who continues to innovate our organization, address systemic barriers, promote inclusion and diversity, and create change within the dental industry.
As a nonprofit committed to expanding dental care access for underserved communities, our team members across 34 dental centers work together, supporting and holding each other accountable to our mission. We actively and thoughtfully address our patients’ needs through a diverse network of caregivers, partners, and employees.
