The Diverse Dental Society (DDS) has released the following statement on the conflict in Ukraine:
“As health-care providers and members of the Diverse Dental Society (DDS) we stand alongside many other medical and dental organizations, across the United States and the World. We wish to provide a voice for those that are in harm's way, due to the conflict in Ukraine and other parts of the globe.
We sympathize with medical and dental colleagues in Ukraine that are saving lives and providing the best care they can, under dire circumstances. We also join with the World Dental Federation (FDI) to express our solidarity and concerns. We call for the international principle of medical neutrality and human rights to be upheld and respected.
We agree that medical facilities and health workers must not become military targets. Protection of healthcare workers, including dentists and dental teams must be ensured by all parties involved in this conflict.
We also encourage everyone to provide any type of assistance that you can, to support the refugees that have fled the war zone, and to ensure that everyone and in particular women, children, and the elderly, receive the basic necessities of food, water and safe shelter in the countries receiving them.”
About the Diverse Dental Society
DDS, established in April 2020 is a 501 (c)(3), nonprofit organization that believes in collaborating and assisting its member organizations in pursuit of equity in oral health. Our focus on diversity and inclusion in oral health will amplify and expand the public awareness of the importance of oral health. DDS is the comparison voice of improving oral health inequities in marginalized populations. We are one organization made up of three (3) national minority membership associations; the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA), National Dental Association (NDA) and the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) that support minority oral health professionals. Learn more at diversedentalsociety.org.
Source: press release from DDS dated March 28, 2022