FGDP dean calls for greater diversity

In an address to members and professional leaders at the FGDP(UK) Annual Dinner and Awards, he said dental leaders have a “moral obligation” to ensure that their organisations “support social justice through a culture and environment of inclusivity.”

He described the persistence of “many barriers which intimidate and inhibit certain individuals from engaging with dental organisations” as “unacceptable”, and said that the best way to change perceptions and encourage engagement was by ensuring diversity of gender, age and ethnicity within boards at both national and local level.

Outlining the opportunity, he said diversity “modulates attitudes and behaviours, undermines ‘group-think’, and delivers improved performance within an organization.” He continued, “Social and professional diversity reflects the diversity within our profession, and can provide insight into the different views, attitudes and beliefs which may exist. This is a healthy environment which can stimulate discussion, debate and reflection, and in turn, provides a degree of internal accountability. We need diversity to understand the changing needs of our profession, to connect with new members and ensure that we continue to be relevant.”