Creating an Inclusive Dental Practice for the LGBTQ+ Patient

Sam Vest, RDH, BSDH, MS, is a lecturer in the Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ODU. Their research focuses on patient management of diverse populations, specifically women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and forensic odontology. Vest has presented their research at national and international conferences. They have also received extramural funding and won national and international awards for their research. Vest can be reached at svest@odu.edu.

Emily A. Ludwig, RDH, MSDH, is an assistant professor at the Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ODU, where she teaches oral radiology and clinical care to junior and senior students. Her research primarily focuses on ergonomics/workplace safety and diversity and inclusion issues affecting dental hygiene. She frequently contributes to peer-reviewed journals and presents research findings at national and international conferences. Ludwig has also been awarded and part of extramurally funded grants related to ergonomics of the dental hygienist. She is a member of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Peer Review Panel.

Lauren Eusner, RDH, BSDH, MS, is the director of clinical affairs at the Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ODU where she also teaches clinical care to both junior and senior dental hygiene students. Prior to accepting her current position, Eusner served as a lecturer and adjunct assistant professor at ODU and worked as a clinical dental hygienist in a variety of settings for more than 15 years.