Delta Dental sponsors the 46th annual American Indian Science & Engineering Society National Conference for second year
As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Delta Dental sponsored the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Spokane, Washington, which took place Oct. 19-21. The conference provided a meaningful opportunity to spotlight the importance of oral health in overall health and encourage Native students to explore careers in dentistry and dental hygiene.
A brief history of the AISES National Conference
Founded in 1977, AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.
The conference, now in its 46th year, has become the premier event for Indigenous science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals and students and provides access to career pathways, professional and leadership development, research, and networking that meaningfully incorporates Indigenous culture.
More than 3,500 high school, college, graduate, and post graduate students, tribal leaders, tribal members, government agencies, and conference sponsors attended the signature event this year.
Delta Dental exhibited at the AISES College & Career Fair Oct. 20.
Advocating for the AISES community
Delta Dental participated in the College and Career Fair – the largest in the U.S. for Indigenous students and professionals – to discuss oral health’s important role in overall health and encourage Native students to explore careers in dentistry and oral hygiene. A group of oral health professionals from across the Delta Dental system attended the fair to provide oral health education and answer questions about careers in the oral health profession.
“We are grateful for our continued partnership with Delta Dental to help advance the AISES mission,” said Candace McDonough, Senior Development Officer for AISES. “As our first oral health corporate sponsor, we are encouraged to see Native students explore careers in dentistry and oral hygiene to support the oral and overall health of Indigenous communities.”
Further, Dr. Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, Chief Dental Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association delivered a presentation and led a breakout discussion focused on creating pathways for more Native and Indigenous representation in the oral health profession.
“I was deeply honored to speak at the AISES National Conference and discuss my passion for careers in dentistry and oral hygiene with Native and Indigenous students and STEM professionals,” said Dr. Dill. “As the nation’s oral health leader, Delta Dental embraces the opportunity to address the needs of the diverse communities we serve and to contribute to a more equitable health care system.”
Joseph Dill, DDS, MBA, engages students about careers in oral health professions.
Students smile with the Tooth Fairy at the Delta Dental booth.
The Delta Dental interactive booth featured smile-filled activities, including a “smile board” that encouraged students to reflect on what made them smile and a “guess how much sugar is in the drink” game. The Tooth Fairy even made a special visit to booth attendees.
Delta Dental was honored to attend, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the AISES community for an inspiring conference.