The Importance of Inclusive Language

Recorded On: 05/25/2023

Language is extremely powerful and ever-changing. Language can consciously or unconsciously belittle, exclude, reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to the unequal status of individuals. Inclusive language is not about political correctness or impinging on free speech; it is about communicating in a way that is accessible and respectful and values, includes and empowers all members of our organization and workplace. This program will also focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal of this workshop is to provide ADEA members with practical examples and strategies to further a climate of inclusion.

Learning Objectives:

Define the term inclusive language.
Explain the importance of inclusive language to a sense of belonging in the workplace.
Apply actionable strategies to promote inclusion at ADEA.
Explain the importance of pronouns in affirming someone’s identity.

Original Release Date: May 25, 2023

Expiration Date: May 25, 2026

Questions? Contact learn@adea.org

Disclaimer

The purpose of this presentation is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use for the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions. Guest statements do not express the viewpoint of ADEA. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ADEA endorsement.

CE Information

The American Dental Education Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

An evaluation form is available to participants after the conclusion of the live webinar. To earn continuing education (CE) credit for participation in the webinar, the online evaluation must be completed in full by May 25, 2026. After completing the evaluation, webinar participants can print and save the CE Verification Form.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

The American Dental Education Association designates this activity for 1.00 continuing education credit.

All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.

Sara Bendoraitis, M.ED.

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning

American Dental Education Association

Sara Bendoraitis is the Director, of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sara leads the development of effective strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and create a welcoming, safe, equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture in academic dentistry.

Sara was formerly with OPTICA where she was Director, Membership Program Development. From 2011 to 2018, she was Director of Programming, Outreach and Advocacy at American University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She began her work at American University as Director of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center in 2007 till 2011. Sara has an M.S. in Education Administration from Texas A&M University and a BA in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island.

Sara has presented at national conferences on student identity support and advocacy, gender-neutral housing best practices, academic and student affairs collaboration, assessing Safe Zone programs, leadership, unconscious bias and women’s and gender centers. Sara also been a consultant for various federal government agencies, national and international non-profits, higher education institutions, and the United States Naval Academy.

Speaker agrees that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.

Pronouns Explained

Understanding and Challenging Systematic Oppression

Slide Handout