Response to Editorial - Falling Short in Organized Dentistry: A Call for Increased Diversity

The Guest Editorial¹ by Dr. Ernest Lam makes interesting reading. It is a truism that for many decades so-called “organized dentistry” has been the bastion of middle aged males. It is equally true that Canadian dentistry is practised today by more women and by clinicians representing ever increasing ethnic diversities. While it might have been an “old boys club,” traditional organized dentistry’s success has been no doubt due to its leaders representing dentists who shared similar historical, cultural and family values. With diversity comes a complexity of cultural differences concerning ethics, morals and professionalism. The ability to provide a cohesive mutually respective representation of these differences and their inevitable diverse influences on the profession is the true future challenge for organized dentistry.