"Congressional testimony was provided on a report released by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies titled, "On Visible Differences: Improving the Oral Health of African American Males" (for the full report, call the Joint Center at 1-202-789-3500).

The report stated: "Despite the progress toward racial equality in the past 50 years, African Americans, especially males, continue to experience poor oral health and receive less dental care than white Americans."

Dr. Ronald E. Inge (formerly the Hartford-based chief dental officer for Aetna Inc.,) responded to the report in one of his first public appearances for the ADA as associate executive director for the division of dental practice: "The ADA believes the dental profession should reflect the diversity of the population. At this time, it does not . . . On a personal note, we [African American dentists] are role models. The opportunity to address such an issue as that of the oral health of African-American men is truly a great effort, and I thank all who are involved for starting it."

For more information about the briefing, click here.

For information about Dr, Inge, click here.