Celebrating diversity: A spotlight on Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr (“Breaking of the Fast”) is a Muslim three-day holiday, signifying the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which the Qur’an was revealed. In this month, it is obligatory for all able Muslims to partake in a month-long fast where they are to abstain from food and drink (yes, even water!) during daylight hours. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with a declaration of faith, five daily prayers, giving to charity and a pilgrimage to Mecca. The holy month is also used as an opportunity to build one’s spirituality. At night, Muslims line up to offer a number of optional prayers called “Taraweeh” while listening to and reflecting on the recitation of the Qur’an.

Contour Extended: Hidden Figures in dentistry

Dear Hidden Figures,

Perhaps you have seen the new motion picture that describes the life of Katherine Johnson, an African-American math prodigy who grew up in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia. She grew up counting numbers and manually computing equations. In 1953 she began working for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), later known at NASA. She joined hundreds of other women as a human computer. Pre-dating Apple or Microsoft, these women helped to win the race to space. As a math computer, she completed calculations for Alan Shepard, John Glenn, the Apollo moon landing mission, and the start of the space shuttle program.

How you can better serve the LGBT community

gay coupleThe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities now make up nearly 4% of the adult population in the U.S. (Gallup 2015). As healthcare providers, it is our duty to provide culturally competent care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviors, and to tailor delivery to meet patients’ social and cultural needs (National Center for Cultural Competence). Gender identity and sexual orientation – just like race, ethnicity and religion – affect the way our patients perceive their health and utilize healthcare services.

For far too long, the LGBT populations have experienced discrimination and inequalities in health care. Read on to learn how you can be a part of the change.