Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
)
Ensuring all employees, patients, and business clients are heard, valued, respected, and appreciated.
Willamette Dental envisions a clinical practice that reflects the communities we serve, lifts the voices of lived experiences at all intersections, and provides fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement.
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee develops and promotes strategies and best practices within the realms of racial, social, sexual, and gender diversity.
Leadership commitment
Through celebrating and learning about one another’s differences, we continue to create a home where we are seen in a light that is becoming of our individual character. Demonstrating care and empathy is ingrained into the essence of Willamette Dental.
Our core commitments
Our core commitments represent our values and guide how we treat one another:
Respect
We respect the dignity and recognize the value of each person as demonstrated through our compassion.
Curiosity
We express interest to learn and listen to the perspective and experiences of others in a respectful manner, knowing that communication styles differ.
Acceptance
We embrace and advocate for diversity and give voice to those that are rarely heard.
Appreciation
We bring joy, celebration, and appreciation to diversity in the workplace.
WALKING THE WALK
Recognition and awards
Willamette Dental received a perfect score of 100 by the 2025 Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index. The Corporate Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates policies, practices, and benefits that impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees.
In 2023, Willamette Dental was recognized for our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion by winning the 2023 Employee Voice Award from Quantum Workplace for the fifth time. The DEI Champion Award category was created specifically for Willamette Dental to recognize its significant work on DEI initiatives. Our previous Employee Voice Award wins took place in 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2019.
Advancing health equity
Willamette Dental’s approach to health equity begins with addressing systemic racism for our members, employees, and communities. A diverse healthcare workforce is key to reducing racial health disparities.
Inclusion & fairness efforts at Willamette Dental are aligned with our mission to improve health equity by addressing disparities in underrepresented communities, benefiting everyone as racial equity improves.
Addressing health care inequity
Cultural biases can result in healthcare inequities, leading to disparities in oral health. Willamette Dental is advancing respect and inclusion to improve oral health outcomes by rejecting historical ideologies that create oppressive environments and guiding compassionate, dynamic teams to deliver equitable care.
“It is our responsibility as a community to extend a hand and ensure that we work together as a collective whole to better ensure an equitable and inclusive environment at Willamette Dental.”
— Kris Holgerson, Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Executive Sponsor of Willamette Affinity Groups
Getting involved
Our multi-disciplinary Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee supports and facilitates employee affinity groups, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, people with varying abilities, and veterans.
Employees are supported and encouraged to join these groups and participate in related events to further move our inclusion efforts forward and elevate our practice’s reputation in the community.
Affinity groups at Willamette Dental
African American Collaborator Network (AACN)
Improves the quality of life for African Americans and people of color by providing a platform for advocacy, education, and healing.
American Indians
The American Indians affinity group brings together employees who are part of American Indian communities as well as their allies.
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)
Creates an inclusive and safe space for sharing thoughts and increasing awareness of AAPI identities.
Hispanic Origin & Latin American Collective (HOLA)
Provides representation, awareness, and community support for the Latin and Hispanic community within the organization.
Persons with Disabilities and Allies (PwDA)
Ensures accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities, advancing dignity and equity.
PRIDE @ Willamette
Supports LGBTQ+ employees and allies by promoting resources, education, and accessibility
Sustainability
Integrates business and sustainability priorities to reduce resource use and improve environmental practices.
Veterans
Fosters connections among employee veterans through shared experiences, professional growth, and community engagement
Women Of Willamette
Empowers women across the organization by promoting equality, resources, and networking opportunities.
Join us
Interested in working with a dynamic and diverse team? We hope you’ll consider joining our organization. Your voice is unique, and your experiences are valuable.
