DMD Class Diversity Chairs
Each year, our DMD classes elect representatives to create and promote initiatives and events with the goal of enhancing diversity, inclusion and equity across the College of Dentistry. These Diversity Chairs function as a catalyst for new diversity-related initiatives developed in collaboration with UFCD student organizations, committees and/or departments. Our Diversity Chairs cultivate college-wide knowledge, awareness and promote education of diversity and social issues through their initiatives and events.
Recent Events
Black History Month Lunch & Learn
This event allowed students to hear from several African American/Black dentists about their dental school experiences, facing adversity, life as practicing dentists, leadership roles, and more in honor of Black History Month. Delicious soul food was served as well.
Pride Month
Diversity Chairs organized three events in honor of Pride Month, a month honoring LGBTQ communities. Students were invited to a presentation on how to treat LGBTQ patients who may present to the dental clinic. Students showed their allyship and Pride by picking up a Pride pin and/or sticker on the Sun Terrace.
Juneteenth Lunch & Learn
Students were invited to watch an episode of “Black-ish,” which discussed the history and importance of Juneteenth, a newly-recognized federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Hispanic Heritage Month
UFCD students were invited to watch an episode of Netflix’s “The Surgeon’s Cut” about a Mexican neurosurgeon’s journey from working as a migrant farmer to becoming one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States. Yummy cultural food from Mi Apa was served as well.
Eid Al-Adha Celebration
UFCD students participated in an interactive presentation and discussion to better understand Eid Al-Adha, an Islamic holiday, while enjoying Yemeni coffee and many desserts from many cultures traditionally enjoyed during Eid festivities.
Black Student Advocacy Group
Established in 2020, our Black Student Advocacy Group (BSAG) was created with multiple goals in mind:
- Create a safe space for Black students to thrive and feel validated
- Provide opportunities for fellowship, camaraderie and mentorship
- Advocate for more Black representation in both the UFCD student and faculty population
- Uplift and amplify the voices of current Black dental students
Due to the continuing hard work and partnership of BSAG and UFCD, the DMD Class of 2025 had the largest population of Black students in UFCD history, and this trend was repeated in the DMD Class of 2026.
The work on behalf of the UF College of Dentistry and the Black Student Advocacy Group is ongoing to meet our goals. If you are a current UFCD student interested in BSAG, please contact Anna Kvam in the Office of Student Advocacy & Inclusion for more information.