Statement from the National Dental Association Regarding Dr. Jaylon Antón Johnson and the Experiences of Black Dental Professionals
The National Dental Association stands with Dr. Jaylon Antón Johnson and with Black dentists across the country who continue to navigate a profession in which perceptions can sometimes be shaped by race rather than by knowledge, skill, character, or conduct.
Calling a Black dentist “ghetto” is not a professional critique. It is a racialized stereotype, and it has no place in a profession committed to professionalism, respect, inclusion, and excellence.
Dr. Johnson has earned his place in dentistry through his education, his work, his advocacy, and his commitment to educating the public about oral health. Like every dental professional, he should be evaluated on the quality of his work and the way he conducts himself—not on whether his voice, appearance, personality, or manner fits someone else’s expectation of what a professional should look or sound like.
There is an important distinction between professionalism and conformity.
Dentistry should expect professionalism from everyone. But professionalism should not require Black dentists to suppress their individuality, cultural identity, or authenticity in order to be accepted. No dentist should have to become less of who they are to be considered worthy of respect.
This is not a new challenge.
The National Dental Association was born from the recognition that Black dentists faced barriers to education, professional opportunity, representation, and acceptance that had little to do with their ability to practice dentistry. Our founders created an organization that would advocate for Black dentists, build community, open doors, and create opportunities where too often there were none.
That mission remains relevant today.
Black dentists are educators, researchers, clinicians, mentors, advocates, business owners, community leaders, and innovators. We serve patients in communities that have historically experienced disparities in oral health and access to care. We are contributing to the future of dentistry at every level of the profession.
And we belong there.
The NDA also believes that this moment should be an opportunity for reflection across our profession. We should be able to challenge one another, disagree, debate standards, and have difficult conversations about professionalism without reducing another professional to a racial stereotype.
Dr. Johnson’s decision to speak about his experience matters. Silence does not make bias disappear. Conversations like this remind Black dentists that they are not alone, while challenging all of us to examine the assumptions that can influence how professionals are perceived and treated.
The National Dental Association will continue to be a place where Black dentists and other dental professionals can find community, mentorship, advocacy, opportunity, and support. We will continue to work toward a profession in which excellence is recognized wherever it comes from and where every dentist has the opportunity to contribute fully and authentically.
Dr. Johnson belongs in dentistry.
Black dentists belong in every room where the future of oral health, healthcare, education, science, and our profession is being shaped.
The NDA will continue to stand for that principle—and for the dentists who are helping make it a reality.