The American Dental Hygienists’ Association apologized for its role in systemic racism.
In a letter issued to the National Dental Hygienists’ Association, which represents minority dental hygienists, the ADHA acknowledged that the establishment of the NDHA was necessary as a result of discrimination by the ADHA, according to a March 2 news release.
"We sincerely and deeply apologize to dental hygienists of color for our failure to confront discriminatory membership practices that expressly excluded them. … Despite ADHA’s reaffirmation of its policy on open membership in 1965, we recognize our failure to advocate for African American hygienists and the effects our complicity had on this community, some of which are felt to this day," the letter said.
The apology comes as the ADHA nears its 100th anniversary and is part of the organization's diversity and inclusion initiatives in its 2020-23 strategic plan. Other initiatives include anti-racism training for staff members and trustees and expanding educational programming to include equity-focused courses.