A historic feat
A historic feat, the American College of Dentists (ACD) is the first dental organization to dedicate a full issue of its Journal to the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Carlos Smith, D.D.S, M.Div., FACD, an associate professor, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the ethics curriculum here at the VCU School of Dentistry, served as guest editor for the current issue. The ACD is planning a second DEI issue for September and Dr. Smith, a member of its editorial review board, will once again be the guest editor.
Dr. Smith says he “was quite humbled and honored in being asked to serve on the editorial board earlier this year, much less tasked with serving as guest editor for such a timely issue.”
He acknowledges many Virginia ACD fellows such as Drs. Mayer Levy, William Bennett and, our very own recently retired, Fred Certosimo for nominating him as a fellow several years ago.
With my unique interdisciplinary skills as both clinician and ethicist, it has been a very welcoming group. I’ve been honored to participate as a guest lecturer in dental ethics the last few years and will be giving the convocation address later this fall, where new members are inducted. My goal as guest editor was to take readers and fellows on a journey that framed diversity, equity and inclusion from an ethical and professionalism lens – a moral lens – and not simply because of political mindedness, increased productivity and revenues, or fear of public outcry.
Carlos S. Smith
Please enjoy the American College of Dentists first digital Journal. Congratulations to Dr. Smith.
Categories Deans blog, DEI, schoolwide news, Uncategorized