Mallory M. Mills, MHA, RDH, CDA, EFDA, is an assistant professor in the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) in Evansville. She teaches courses in ethics and practice management, preventive dentistry, radiology, dental materials, and head and neck anatomy. Mills has completed LGBTQIA+ Ally training through Center for Campus Life and Gender and Sexuality Resources at USI. She practices dental hygiene in a general dentistry office also in Evansville. Mills’ research focuses on healthcare disparities and cultural competency of oral healthcare providers. She can be reached at mmmills@usi.edu .
Understanding LGBTQIA+ terminology and identities is a foundational step for dental hygienists to reduce disparities, foster trust, and deliver respectful, patient-centered oral healthcare.