Diversity & Inclusion
Call For Volunteers

The Chicago Dental Society fosters an inclusive society. Open call for volunteers for the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Committee Purpose

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee (henceforth referred to as “the committee”) develops and maintains policies, practices, and educational resources that support the Chicago Dental Society’s (CDS) diverse dental community and encourage members from a broad spectrum of lived experiences to thrive in the profession.

It establishes measurable strategies to assist member advancement into CDS leadership and fosters a diverse culture by identifying unique challenges, implementing inclusion initiatives, and setting realistic targets. The committee’s charges include consulting on a mentoring program, performing outreach to diverse organizations, developing a demographic data collection system, and facilitating focus group discussions during the annual Midwinter Meeting.

Structure and Composition

The committee is a standing member committee that reports to the CDS Board of Directors and advises it on matters pertaining to CDS’s core value of “diversity.” It consists of ten members, including a Chair that leads the committee, presides over its meetings, and provides reports to the Board of Directors; a Board Liaison that provides a communication throughline to the Board of Directors, upon which they serve; a New Dentist Representative that provides an early-career perspective; and seven Committee Representatives chosen for their passion and expertise in the areas of diversity and inclusion as well as their commitment to CDS’s mission and vision.

Committee terms are split between one-year terms and two-year terms.

Philosophy Statement

The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) embraces a culture of diversity and inclusion that enables its members to engage in respectful dialogue and interaction with one another and the settings in which they serve. Through the recognition of a variety of lived experiences within the Chicagoland dental community, CDS provides equitable opportunities for personal and professional development that empower members to become leaders. Welcoming diverse voices and viewpoints endows CDS with the strength to cultivate a relevant and sustainable organization that prioritizes health for all.

Meeting:

The committee meets quarterly either in-person at CDS headquarters in Chicago or virtually. Attendance at two meetings is mandatory, but participation at all meetings is encouraged. Members of task forces may meet additionally to work on specific projects

Time Commitment:

A committee member can be expected to spend approximately two to three hours per month on committee-related activities.

Goals:

Supply CDS Board of Directors with D&I-lensed feedback and advice upon request.
Provide notes and feedback for online Mentor Match system, including demographic and profile selections.
Utilize task forces for committee projects that require committee approval upon completion.

  • Draft a one-paragraph D&I Philosophy for Approval by Board of Directors.
  • Develop a D&I Awareness Calendar featuring events, religious observances, and awareness months.
  • Provide input on new D&I web page.
    • Collect a list of measurable D&I initiatives for future projects and/or action plan.

    Committee Criteria and Call:

    Must be a CDS Member

    This open call is for 9 volunteers.

    • 8 members of which 1 will become Chair
    • 1 member that must be an Early Career Dentist
    Term is comprised of 1 and 2 year terms

    Application Form

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    Eligibility requirements: - Must be a CDS Member
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    Deadline for submission is November 28, 2025.