UMKC SOD CLASS OF 2024 ADA NEWS SUPPLEMENT • JUNE 2024 • VOLUME XXIX, NUMBER 2


COMMUNITY // Page 3


Orthodontist connects with other LGBTQ+ dentists


TIPS // Page 5 5 ways to make your practice more inclusive


DEBT RELIEF // Page 8


Helping dentists care for underserved communities


DIVERSITY // Page 10 Groups support dentists of various backgrounds


BY OLIVIA ANDERSON


As the only woman in her surgical program, Stephanie Ganter, D.D.S., often felt like the odd one out. While she got along well with her male co-residents, Dr. Ganter was left off the group text chain and found herself on the outside looking in.


“It’s easy to get isolated,” she said. “I learned, through failure, the importance of community in success.”


Residency is a stressful and uniquely chal- lenging period of life, Dr. Ganter said, with its


ongoing demands causing basic necessities like sleep and quality time with family to fall by the wayside. This makes connecting with your residency program all the more imperative.


Dr. Ganter, who completed her periodontal and implant surgery residency at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry in 2019, is not the only one who felt like something of an outsider during residency.


“I’ve talked to other residents who have felt isolated, especially in surgical specialties like


Continued on Page 4


The women


breaking barriers FEMALE DENTAL SPECIALISTS SHARE THEIR JOURNEYS TO SUCCESS


ATSU-MOSDOH CLASS OF 2024


New Dentist Resources


As a new dentist, you’re starting the next step in your career journey and the ADA has resources specifically for new dentists. Find information at these links:


NEW DENTIST NEWS ADA.ORG/NEWDENTISTNEWS


Get the news you need to help you thrive in your career and life — focused on the challenges you face early in your career.


NEW DENTIST NOW BLOG NEWDENTISTBLOG.ADA.ORG


Read it and/or become a contributor!


CAREER SERVICES HUB ADA.ORG/CAREERS


Your one-stop shop for career resources, pathways, associate contracts and more!


ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2024 | focus 21


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