Just Flossy was established in 2019 during my gap year between completing my undergraduate degree and enrolling in dental school. The primary goal has always been to provide a valuable resource for underrepresented minority pre-dental students as they navigate their journey to and through dental school. In the United States, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans make up only about 9% of the dental workforce and are in need of representation in the field. It is crucial as minority patients are significantly more likely to seek care from dentists who share their culture and background. This underscores the urgent need for diversity in dentistry, as disadvantaged groups continue to be underserved.
While the need for diversity is evident, there are numerous barriers against it, which led to the creation of Just Flossy.
Since my time in undergrad, I have been dedicated to increasing the number of minority students in STEM and health-related fields. Regardless of our profession, we have the responsibility to advocate for our respective communities to build a more diverse and culturally competent workforce. We must educate, inspire, and motivate others, striving to cultivate excellence in the next generation of professionals.
As more underrepresented minority students enter the field of dentistry, we can cater to an increasingly diverse patient population. However, limited representation can discourage students as they face their own unique challenges. Just Flossy aims to provide a platform for growth, achievement, empowerment, support, and passion as these students find their way.