Shaping Smiles, Shaping Change: Diversity in Dentistry Panel
Date(s)
Jun. 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Multiple Speakers
Subject: 770 Self-Improvement
Credits: 1
Method: Lecture
Tuesday, June 30: 7–8 p.m. CDT
Audience: Students, Residents, Dentists, Dental Assistants
Fee: Free
Description
June is Dental Diversity Month, and AGD honors diversity and advancing the profession with this panel discussion that celebrates leaders whose diverse backgrounds, experiences and voices are strengthening the future of oral healthcare. Their perspectives illuminate how representation in dentistry expands access, drives innovation and better serves the needs of all communities. Join us to hear their stories, learn how diversity has shaped their journeys, and gather valuable insight and guidance. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with these inspiring dentists who are helping build a more inclusive profession.
Learning Objectives
- Gain insights into the career paths of diverse dental leaders.
- Learn how to treat and communicate with patients of diverse backgrounds.
- Learn how to establish and maintain an inclusive office environment.
- Gain diverse perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving dental field.
Speaker Bios
Moderator
Jonathan Mayo, MS, has worked administratively in the oral health industry for almost two decades. With a strong background in multimedia production and event planning, Mayo brings creative and knowledgeable experience to his role at AGD. He is passionate about education; oral health; and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Panelists
Sam Asthana, DDS, FAGD, is a general dentist in Houston and the owner of Fig Tree Dental Studio, a boutique dental office in Houston Heights focused on high-quality dentistry and total health. Asthana is a trained classical musician and takes a special focus on musicians’ oral health, injuries and care, treating patients from several of Houston's premier performing arts groups and lecturing to musicians on orofacial joint and muscle health at various universities, conferences and competitions. Asthana was named the Texas New Dentist of the Year in 2025 and one of AGD’s 10 Dentists to Watch in 2025; he holds various leadership positions with AGD, Texas AGD, Houston AGD, and the Texas Dental Association, and he is also a proud member/alumnus of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, the Pankey Institute and the North American Saxophone Alliance.
Mai-Ly Duong, DMD, MPH, MAEd, MAGD, received her DMD and MPH degrees from A.T. Still University (ATSU). She serves as a full-time associate professor at the ATSU Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in The Center for Advanced Oral Health, where she also serves as director of the Special Care Clinic. She works to support students, residents and faculty treating individuals with special needs and complex medical conditions. She also works as a part-time associate dentist at Sundance Dental Care.
Robert McKernan, DDS, was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Raised in the Mormon church, he served a two-year mission in the Dominican Republic. He later graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Spanish Comparative Literature. McKernan went on to earn his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College. He is the proud founder of Big Gay Smiles Dental, a private dental office that donates 10% of its revenue to cure HIV, with locations in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
Morgan Araujo, SPHR, holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification and is a human resources executive with experience across the nonprofit sector, healthcare and higher education. She currently leads People & Culture at Tapestry 360 Health in Chicago, where she focuses on workforce strategy, compensation structure and organizational alignment. Known for building data-driven HR operations, she has strengthened hiring capacity, workforce planning and leadership accountability.
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