Applications available for ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership

Program provides education, leadership training to underrepresented groups

The American Dental Association Institute for Diversity in Leadership is accepting applications for its 2023-24 class.

The institute provides education and leadership training to dentists who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in leadership roles within the dental profession and their communities. 

The ADA will select 25 applicants for the free program, which includes three leadership training sessions at ADA Headquarters in Chicago from Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2023; Aug. 22-23, 2024; and Dec. 5-6, 2024.

As part of the institute, class members will put the leadership principles and training they receive to practical use by selecting an issue or challenge in their community, organization or the dental profession and developing and executing a plan to address it. 

In addition, participants will network with leaders from the ADA, nonprofit organizations and the institute’s corporate sponsors, as well as faculty, program alumni and ADA staff.

The most recent institute class graduated in December 2022. A few of their projects included establishing a study club for new dentists, providing mentorship to minority students applying to dental school and increasing awareness of the dangers of vaping.

Established in 2003, the institute is focused on fostering personal leadership skills. It seeks to build a lifetime network of supportive relationships among alumni as they move on to leadership roles. To date, more than 280 dentists have graduated from the institute and maintain a connection to the program.

Eligibility and application information is available at  ADA.org . Applications are due by April 28, and the ADA will notify applicants of their acceptance status by July 1.

For more information, email Susana Galvan at galvans@ada.org or IDL@ada.org .

The institute is supported in part by Henry Schein Inc. and Crest + Oral-B.