A thoughtful discussion around the contributions of the Indigenous Community in oral medicine will kick off this year’s Diversity Week Lunch and Learn series. On Monday, March 6th at 12-noon in the REB Auditorium, HSDM is looking forward to participating in an engaging conversation with guest speakers: Dr. Brian Swann, Linda Coombs, and Bettina Washington. HSDM will have the opportunity to come together and hear from esteemed elders of the Wampanoag community on matters relating to history, culture, and contributions to the practice oral medicine.

Brian Swann, DDS, MPH, previously served as chief of Oral Health Services for the Cambridge Health Alliance, where he practiced clinical dentistry and conducted the Oral Physician Program within the General Practice Residency Program. The Oral Physician Program is a model that integrates oral health into the scope of primary care. During his tenure, he implemented a shared appointment model, an innovative approach to providing dental care while increasing access to oral health services. Additionally, he was actively involved in acquiring $4.5 million for a multidisciplinary expansion. Dr. Swann now serves as a consultant and will assist with creating a clinical laboratory to further develop the integrated model. Additionally, Dr. Swann serves as a Regional Oral Health Specialist for Job Corps of America.

Linda Coombs (Indigenous Elder from the Wampanoag Tribe)

Linda Jeffers Coombs is an author and historian from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). She serves as program director of the Aquinnah Cultural Center, continuing to educate the public about Wampanoag history, culture, and other contributions. Valued for her expertise in regional Native American history, Coombs is a frequent consultant on scholarly and educational projects.

Bettina Washington (Indigenous Elder from the Wampanoag Tribe)

Bettina Washington is the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer at Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)

Can't join us in person?

Sign up for our webinar: https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_et2AOhV6QYKPOVAi4ew4oA