American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Realizing the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research’s (AADOCR) vision of oral health through discovery and dissemination necessitates a commitment to principles and practices that honor the value of diversity and promote inclusion. Striving to continually improve the quality of scientific research, we acknowledge the critical role of appreciating diversity of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, culture, religion, national origin, and the other characteristics that make us human. Further, we affirm that inclusivity of diverse perspectives strengthens our ability to study and develop solutions for a diverse society. Achieving the most rigorous and innovative research with the greatest impact requires operating from a lens of diversity applicable to both the AADOCR membership and society at large.
Diversity and inclusion are core values for the AADOCR. We foster and support individual/organizational diversity and inclusion to advance equity in all facets of dental, oral, and craniofacial research. We value all participants of the research process and are committed to maintaining a creative, welcoming, and inclusive association. We honor pluralism and encourage each other to explore, engage in, and embrace our own and others’ distinctiveness. Additionally, we support our members intentionally and comprehensively addressing issues of diversity and inclusion in their research. The appropriate design and implementation of research that incorporates diverse and inclusive perceptions and evaluations moves us closer to achieving our mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being.
With over 3,400 individual and 107 institutional members working throughout dental, oral, and craniofacial research, our membership is a diverse community. Maintaining such a community allows us to celebrate individuality, continually learn from one another, and stimulate innovation. Therefore, as we continue to advance dental, oral, and craniofacial research in a rapidly changing world, we are strengthened by and celebrate this diversity. We continually invest in the power of people in our practices, programs, and relationships. Action, a core component of our commitment, is incorporated in our leadership, professional development, advocacy, and strategic framework. We champion the belief that inclusive organizations that embrace and advance diversity everywhere will be the most successful.
Adopted March 2022