Dr. Zerita C. Buchanan

A fourth-generation dentist and proud HBCU grad, is using her voice to drive change. From mentoring 1,000+ future providers to influencing national policy, she’s advancing dentistry beyond the operatory.

quip: You’ve made an impact far beyond the dental chair. What helped you transition from treating patients to working in public health policy, and how can other providers start making a difference outside of clinical care?

Dr. Buchanan: The pandemic changed me—not just as a provider, but as a person. I realized that while clinicians can advocate for individual patients in the chair, its public health leaders who shape the systems that impact entire communities. I saw how policies dictated who received care, who had access to resources, and which communities were consistently left behind. That was a turning point for me. I recognized that I had transferrable skills that could be utilized outside of the patient care setting. Skills in leadership, communication, and systems thinking. I wanted to use my voice to help dismantle the structures and policies that negatively impact people’s health, especially those in historically marginalized communities. For other providers, the first step is understanding the power of your perspective. Whether it’s joining a local advisory board, contributing to research, or simply sharing your insights in public forums, your clinical experience is a critical piece of the solution.

quip: You’re a fourth-generation dentist and a proud graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). How have those experiences shaped your leadership and the way you connect with your community?

Dr. Buchanan: Attending Spelman College was the best decision of my life and truly the best time of my life. It wasn’t just a school; it was an experience that deepened my lifelong commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Spelman didn’t just educate me. It shaped me. It was on that campus that I found my voice, my purpose, and the confidence to lead with both intellect and heart.

Spelman College has long been a champion of Black women who lead, innovate, and disrupt inequitable systems to create a better world. As a proud Atlanta native and daughter of a Spelman and Morehouse couple, my passion for HBCUs is deeply personal. The legacy of excellence, the unwavering sisterhood, and the transformative mentorship I received at Spelman continue to guide me in everything I do. This includes how I lead teams, how I engage with patients, and how I advocate for equity.

Because of the profound impact Spelman had on me, I remain a tireless advocate for HBCUs and campaign nationally to ensure their continued growth and recognition. These institutions are not just incubators of brilliance. They are engines of change.

quip: Through the Increasing Diversity in Dentistry (IDID) Pipeline, you help students from underrepresented backgrounds enter the profession. What is one way any dental professional can support the next generation, no matter their role or specialty?

Dr. Buchanan: As the Assistant Director of the Increasing Diversity in Dentistry (IDID) Pipeline Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and supporting over 1,000 pre-dental students across the country. Our mission is to cultivate, nurture, and assist pre-dental students in gaining acceptance into dental school by providing exposure, guidance, and meaningful connections. But what I’ve learned is this: students today need more than mentorship. They need sponsorship. Writing a letter of recommendation is important, but creating real pathways to employment and economic mobility is how we truly make a lasting impact.

That’s why I founded Dental Dreams LLC Dental Assisting School, a program that offers hands-on job training, nationally recognized certification, and real-world clinical experience. This model provides students with immediate access to employment, long-term career growth, and the tools to thrive in a healthcare system that desperately needs more providers who reflect and understand the communities they serve.

Every dental professional has a role to play. Whether it’s hiring a student, opening your office for shadowing, or simply sharing your journey, your support can change the trajectory of a student’s life and, in turn, the communities they will one day care for.

quip: You believe that oral health equity is part of health justice. For someone unfamiliar with those terms, how would you explain them, and what is one change dental teams can make to create more equitable care?

Dr. Buchanan: Oral health equity means that everyone, regardless of race, income, or background, has a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal oral health. Health justice takes that a step further: it’s about actively dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent entire communities from accessing quality care.

One powerful way dental teams can advance equity and improve patient outcomes is by building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve. As our country becomes more diverse, it's critical that dental practices create environments where patients feel welcomed, respected, and understood. This doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional hiring, ongoing training, and a deep commitment to cultural competency.

When patients see providers and staff who look like them, speak their language, or understand their lived experiences, they’re more likely to engage in their care, trust treatment recommendations, and return for follow-ups. Offices that prioritize cultural humility and inclusivity consistently deliver better outcomes, because equity in care starts with equity in how we show up for patients.

quip: You’ve received major honors, including being named a “Healthcare Hero.” What is one behind-the-scenes moment that made you feel proud of the work you do?

Dr. Buchanan: One of my proudest moments was serving as a national brand ambassador for Listerine as part of The WHOA Collection, a groundbreaking campaign created in collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Common and renowned visual artists Hebru Brantley and Frank Morrison. The campaign fused oral health with art and culture to elevate awareness in communities and featured a limited-edition Listerine bottle sold nationwide in Target and Walmart.

Through this partnership, I was able to help raise $315,000 to support scholarships, mentorship, and professional development for underrepresented pre-dental students. Being part of a campaign that centered our stories, celebrated our creativity, and directly funded the next generation of dental leaders was incredibly meaningful.

I’ve always believed that empowering future leaders is essential to achieving lasting change. This project proved what’s possible when brands, communities, and advocates come together with purpose. As a tireless advocate for health philanthropy, I’m proud to use my platform to open doors for others and redefine what leadership looks like in healthcare.

quip: Many professionals want to become mentors or advocates but aren’t sure where to start. What is your best advice for using your voice with purpose, whether online or in everyday practice?

Dr. Buchanan: Start small and be honest. You don’t have to mentor 10 students or launch a huge initiative. Sometimes, mentoring just one student is enough, especially if that’s all you have the capacity to do. Impact isn’t about scale; it’s about consistency and intention.

Also, don’t be afraid to share your real story, not just the highlight reel. Students need to hear the full picture, including the missteps, the failures, and the moments of doubt. They need to know that perfection is something we strive for, but rarely achieve, and that’s okay. Vulnerability builds trust, and when we show up as our authentic selves, we give others permission to do the same.

Using your voice with purpose means leading with truth, empathy, and the understanding that sometimes the most meaningful change starts with a single conversation.