Queer LifeSpace Begins Hosting Free Dental Services in Partnership with Gender and Sexual Diversity In Dentistry Alliance (GSDDA)
A dentist with the Gender and Sexual Diversity in Dentistry Alliance (GSDDA) provides free dental services to a patient in Queer LifeSpace’s office.
Queer LifeSpace has partnered with the Gender and Sexual Diversity In Dentistry Alliance (GSDDA) to host free dental services for members of our Bay Area community who lack affordable access to dental care. For two hours on Saturday, July 16th, 2022, four members of the GSDDA offered oral exams, hygiene instruction, and a fluoride application…without charge.
Dr. Gwen Essex, known as “Sister Amor Ah’Quality” with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, came up with the idea after seeing a significant need for access to queer-focused dental care.
“To me, supporting loud and proud LGBTQIA+ health care providers brings authentic care to our community,” Dr. Essex said. “And it brings visibility for others who may not have felt welcomed in the profession. I’ve had dental students ask me if they ‘could’ be pediatric dentists, as they felt being gay may not be welcomed in that specialty. What?! That’s a horrible fear that is based on experiences people have had, so it’s as valid as it is SAD. I am very happy to say that the young man who asked me that question is now a very successful pediatric dentist, but we have to stay out and be visible for the next person who is feeling marginalized.”
Unfortunately, there are countless stories out there of queer people having negative experiences with their dentists and/or dental hygienists. From deadnaming to incorrect use of pronouns, to rudeness, discrimination, and lack of affordable dental insurance — navigating the obstacles to dental health in the dominant hetero culture can feel daunting. In fact, access can be so daunting that many may abstain from any care at all and suffer from health problems in the future.
When people think of queer-affirming spaces, dental offices are not typically mentioned as welcoming. GSDDA aims to change that by cultivating queer-positive environments for dental practitioners as well as patients.
Queer LifeSpace recognizes that health is more than just physical health or mental health and looks forward to hosting more dental sessions in partnership with GSDDA. The next free dental event is scheduled for November 5th, 2022 from 11am-1pm at Queer LifeSpace’s office (2275 Market Street, #7). We will be posting the registration on our website as well as in our office soon.
To read more about the GSDDA, check out Gwen Essex’s blog on the UCSF website here.
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