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FW: Upcoming Hearing Commentary
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 7:12:44 AM
From: Doctor Cantwil <doccant1@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 9:53 PM
To: BPL-BoardSupport <BPL-BoardSupport@michigan.gov>
Subject: Upcoming Hearing Commentary
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov
Dear LARA representatives:
I have been practicing dentistry for 33 years in the State of Michigan and I speak against the mandated
Implicit Bias Training for licensure.
I believe that the overwhelming majority of dental health care providers provide care to their patients in a
non-biased manner. Those that don't will not be changed by a mandated implicit bias course because
such a course cannot change this type of character flaw. Patients would be better served by dentists
dedicating this mandated time to improving clinical procedures in order to improve clinical outcomes.
Most dentists I know, and I know many, do not allow such a bias to affect the recommendations and/or
treatment of their patients. We are guided and sworn to abide by the American Dental Association Code
of Ethics.
I feel that this mandate will ultimately propel negative attitudes towards those that insist on proclaiming
their uniqueness, and want to be identified, and treated differently, because of their perceived
uniqueness. This in turn forces and enhances bias rather than eliminating it.
We are professionals and it is also very insulting to be accused of needing this type of "therapy." We are
not in the business of subscribing to absurd social narratives. We are in the business to care for our
patients in a way that fulfills the ethical and spiritual guidelines which govern us. State imposed
requirements, such as Implicit Bias Training are intrusive and burdensome for dental professionals.
Sincerely,
James K Cantwil DDS
Flushing, Michigan
