Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2022 - 51

Practice Management
DEI Task Force Report
Personal Pronouns Can Enhance
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Dr. Barbara Sheller, She/Her/Hers
Seattle, WA
PCSO Bulletin Contributor
A societal change that you no doubt have noticed is
the practice of individuals specifying personal pronouns
with their signature, on an electronic login, or
when meeting for the first time. In my workplace, many
team members wear a badge, lanyard, or pin indicating
personal pronouns, which may be feminine, masculine,
or gender neutral. This column is intended to provide
a brief overview of gender-neutral personal pronouns
such as they/them/theirs, xe/xem/xyr, and ze/zir/zirs.
The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontist's (PCSO's)
commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
will be ongoing, far-reaching, and affect all members.
An updated Mission and Values statement was adopted
in October 2021. " The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
is a professional organization of orthodontic
specialists whose mission is to help its members
provide the highest level of care. We provide quality
continuing education and support political advocacy.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to fulfill
this mission. " The first 2 (of 11) values statements
are: " (1) We recognize that our differences make
us stronger. We respect and seek out all voices
and viewpoints, " and " (2) We value equity,
inclusion, and dignity for all. We
are welcoming to all members of
every race, culture, ability, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, and
practice modality. "
Gender identity is not synonymous with sex. Sex is the
male or female label assigned at birth based upon anatomy
and chromosomes. Gender is a social construct
based on society's expectations and standards and
self-perception. For a cis-gendered person, their sense
of personal identity and gender is the same as their
birth sex. The term nonbinary is used to describe gender
identities that fall outside the designation woman and
man; transgender describes people who identify as a
gender different than the one they were assigned at
birth. Note that some nonbinary people consider themselves
transgender whereas others do not.
Pronouns are the word type used as replacements for
nouns or noun phrases. Personal pronouns refer to a
person. If you are a cis-gendered person, your personal
pronouns are likely to be she/her/hers or he/him/his.
Examples of gender-neutral pronouns include, but
are not limited to, they/them/theirs, ey/em/eir, xe/xem/
xyr, and ze/zir/zirs. It is up to the individual to select
the gendered or gender-neutral pronouns that best
fit their identity.
Do not make the mistake of assuming anything
about gender based upon an individual's name or
appearance. It is a sign of respect and a smart practice
to share your personal pronouns and to ask, " What
pronouns do you use? " when meeting someone for
the first time. For anyone, being called by the wrong
pronouns results in the uncomfortable and diminishing
experience of being misgendered.
The orthodontic practice presents multiple methods
and locations to act upon this particular facet
of DEI by providing opportunities for patients and
team members to specify the personal
pronouns that best reflect their lived
experience. Examples include discussing
pronouns at a team meeting;
including pronouns in orthodontic
team profiles, with email signatures,
and following log-in names for electronic
meetings; adding pronouns to
social media accounts and profiles;
including space for pronouns on office forms
and electronic chart headers; and offering gender-neutral
restrooms.
Using alternative singular pronouns such as they or
xe may feel challenging initially but becomes more
natural with experience. An internet search can
readily provide accepted pronunciation of unfamiliar
pronouns. Making changes to accommodate all genders
in your orthodontic practice sends a welcome
and respectful message to any and all prospective
patients and team members.
If your practice has best practices for gender equity,
the PCSO encourages you to contact them at
https://www.pcsortho.org/contact-us/ or through
Facebook and Instagram (@pcsortho) to inspire your
colleagues.
Spring 2022 PCSO Bulletin
51
https://www.pcsortho.org/contact-us/
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2022
