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EDI

The status of 'equity, diversity and inclusion' in the dental profession

British Dental Journal volume 234, page 98 (2023)Cite this article

Key points

  • Indicates how our language can be inclusive and non-discriminatory.

  • Considers the relative merits of the terms equity and equality.

  • Draws attention to BDA EDI training on the impacts of our language and behaviours.

The words we use as individuals and the intent behind them can be more powerful than we know. When a celebrity says things in public which are misogynistic, racially inappropriate, and downright horrible; and then blames their language on carelessness, that is not OK, even if they didn't break any laws. However, if we call out inappropriate language when foully and maliciously intended, whether overtly discriminatory or not, then peer pressure can move mountains.

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References

  1. British Dental Association. Course: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Available at https://cpd.bda.org/login/index.php (accessed January 2023).

  2. Peterson J. When the left goes too far - the dangerous doctrine of equity. 2019. Available at https://nationalpost.com/opinion/jordan-peterson-when-the-left-goes-too-far-the-dangerous-doctrine-of-equity (accessed January 2023).

  3. College of General Dentistry. Report highlights need to improve diversity in the dental profession. Available at https://cgdent.uk/2021/05/14/report-highlights-need-to-improve-diversity-in-the-dental-profession/ (accessed January 2023).

  4. Goodreads. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Available at https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/50729930-12-rules-for-life-an-antidote-to-chaos (accessed January 2023).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Director of BDA Cymru Wales, BDA Project Manager for EDI policy development and the EDI committee of the Principal Executive Committee, UK

    Caroline Seddon

Authors
  1. Caroline Seddon
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Correspondence to Caroline Seddon.

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Cite this article

Seddon, C. The status of 'equity, diversity and inclusion' in the dental profession. Br Dent J 234, 98 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5455-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5455-z

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