Champions Network

In this second session on change management, Dr. Richard Harvey, Saint Louis University, helped Champions understand ways in which they can navigate the transitional period of change, including how one of the most important aspects: understanding the political dynamics within an organization. Champions learned how to develop political support: conducting stakeholder analyses and engaging key stakeholders, manage the transition: process mapping and conducting a forcefield analysis, and sustain Momentum to support implementation and the institutionalization of DEI efforts. To watch this video, join the Champions Network and a staff member will reach out to you.

In this first session of two sessions on change management, Dr. Richard Harvey, Saint Louis University helped champions gain an understanding on the strategic value of DEI and how to overcome resistance. Champions also learned how to develop a DEI vision and plan using the Global Diversity Equity Inclusion Benchmarks. To watch this video, join the Champions Network and a staff member will reach out to you.

In this webinar, nationally recognized author and consultant Mauricio Velasquez led a discussion with panelist Dr. T. Stotts Isbell, Dr. Brett Kessler, Dr. Kayla Klingensmith, and Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas, all ADA national leaders, about the importance of building a more inclusive ADA. Champions learned how to: create an inclusive environment where all members and potential members feel valued, enhance leadership skills and gain an understanding of the role leaders play in promoting DEI, and to lead by example and foster a culture of inclusion. This session was offered in collaboration with the Council on Communications. To watch this video, join the Champions Network and a staff member will reach out to you.

Dr. Herminio L. Perez , Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran, Associate Dean for Admissions, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine joined the Champions network to help members identify key dimensions of patient-centered care and the important role played by humanism and communications in fostering, understanding and developing a therapeutic alliance. Champions were taught to recognize that patients and oral healthcare professionals often have different perspectives and the types of issues and challenges that are particularly important in caring for patients of diverse cultural backgrounds. To watch this video, join the Champions Network and a staff member will reach out to you.

In this session, the Champions Network learned about implicit bias, what it is and how we learn then. Assumptions and stereotypes centered on identity are the reasons why talking about bias is important for D&I initiatives. This unconscious bias is powerful and only through consciously becoming aware of these patterns can we change our behaviors. After looking at how unconscious bias works in action, the network discussed strategies on how they can identify their own bias, such as the Harvard Implicit Bias Test, and the strategies and take to deconstruct their own biases and how to respond in moments their bias comes out. The Champions then heard from Dr. Eddie Ramirez about his experiences navigating life in the US as an undocumented person, including applying to dental school. A Q&A and discussion followed. To watch this video, join the Champions Network and a staff member will reach out to you.

The Champions Network kicked off with a welcome by April Kates-Ellison and Dr. Susan Doroshow, who shared why the Champions Network was created and why diversity and inclusion efforts are important to the future of the ADA. Champions shared with each other why they joined the network. Next, ADA staff shared more about the structure of the Champions network, including the three programmatic pillars: Change Management, Intercultural Competence, and Transformative Leadership, and a shared language document related to key concepts. To close out the first meeting, champions discussed D&I initiatives in their own societies in an open forum. To watch this video, join the Champions Network and a staff member will reach out to you.