Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and its governing Council value and embrace Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) as fundamental to our role in ensuring the public has safe, equitable and competent oral health care. We strive to contribute to better experiences and outcomes for the diverse public and communities that we serve.  

Every person has value. We have a role to play in addressing systemic barriers and historic as well as ongoing inequities, including harms caused by racism and discrimination.

The College is reviewing its assumptions, policies, and processes to incorporate EDIA in who we are as an employer and regulator. This is a conscious and intentional decision. As an employer, we prioritize and cultivate an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their best self to work, have meaningful opportunities, and where diverse identities and perspectives are valued. As a regulator, we are responsible for reflecting principles of EDIA in education and registration requirements, developing professional standards, reviewing processes, enhancing continuing education expectations, and holding dentists accountable for concerns brought to us.  

This work is never done. We are committed to listening, learning, reflecting, and taking necessary action to improve our work and carry out our regulatory mandate. As part of our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, the RCDSO has prioritized embedding EDIA into everything that we do. We want real and meaningful change – this will take the collective efforts of staff, Council, committees, and Ontario’s dentists. 

Questions?

We invite you to email equity@rcdso.org should you have questions about this statement, our accessibility policy, land acknowledgement or EDI resources.