Cultural diversity and its role in reducing oral health disparities.

African-American, Hispanic and Native-American/Alaskan Native dental students and professionals are often referred to as underrepresented minorities (URMs) because of their poor representation in the profession compared to their proportion in the U.S. population. Disparities in oral health services may, in part, be attributable to minority and economically disadvantaged patients' lack of confidence in the dental profession's ability to provide care in a culturally sensitive manner. Increasing diversity within the oral health workforce is one way to address this perception. However, an effective remedy will require all oral health professionals to devote additional attention to diversity and cultural competency issues.