Oral health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, particularly in underserved communities. In the Black community, disparities in dental care access, education, and affordability have led to significant health challenges, with many individuals facing barriers that prevent them from receiving adequate treatment.
Dr. Jade Duncan, a passionate advocate for healthcare equity, is working to change that. As a dentist and Senior Vice President of Dental Services at Zufall Health Center, she is committed to making high-quality dental care accessible to all, while also mentoring the next generation of professionals.
In this conversation, Dr. Duncan shares her insights on the importance of oral health, the systemic challenges that persist, and her mission to bridge the gap in dental care for Black communities.
A Passion for Healthcare Accessibility and Equity
Dr. Duncan’s work focuses on ensuring that healthcare—particularly dental care—is accessible and equitable for all.
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“Access to care means a lot of things to different people,” she explains. “It doesn’t just mean the availability of affordable care. The care also has to be convenient.” She highlights that even free healthcare services are not truly accessible if patients must sacrifice work hours or other essential resources to receive them.
One of her key initiatives includes integrating dental and medical care to provide a more holistic approach. “We offer integrated care so that patients understand how their medical visits relate to their dental visits,” she says. “This helps them see a bigger picture of their health and avoid costly emergency treatments.”
Her advocacy also extends to underserved communities, including veterans, migrant farm workers, and children. “Not every veteran qualifies for dental care under the VA,” she notes. “At our health center, we hold an annual event where we provide free dental care for veterans in our community. Additionally, we secure grants to subsidize care throughout the year.”
Barriers to Dental Care and Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Dr. Duncan is acutely aware of the barriers preventing marginalized communities from accessing dental care. “Social determinants of health—such as transportation, financial constraints, and education—play a significant role,” she explains. “For some people, just getting to their appointment is a challenge. If they don’t have a car or access to public transportation, that becomes a barrier.”
Her team actively works to reduce these obstacles by offering transportation assistance, nutrition guidance, and education on the importance of oral health. “We provide shopping lists and recipes tailored to affordable nutrition options, so people can make healthier choices within their budget,” she shares.
To further enhance accessibility, her health center employs dental case managers known as Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs). “These individuals act like social workers but specifically for dentistry,” she explains. “They follow up with patients, explain diagnoses, and even schedule appointments at the most convenient times—for example, for farmworkers on rainy days when they don’t have to work.”
Inspiring Future Generations Through Education and Mentorship
Beyond her work in healthcare, Dr. Duncan is deeply committed to mentorship and education. Recognizing the financial burden of higher education, she established the Dr. Jade Duncan Education Scholarship. “I give out two scholarships every year on my birthday, February 1st, to Black women pursuing graduate education while working full-time,” she shares. “Applicants simply write an essay about their biggest dream—it doesn’t even have to be realistic. I believe in dreaming big.”
She aspires to expand the scholarship program to fully fund education, particularly for international students who, like her, face financial and legal barriers to funding their studies. “When I started dental school as an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, I had no access to financial aid. I want to change that for others,” she says.
Dr. Duncan is also passionate about increasing representation in dentistry. “Only three percent of dentists in the U.S. are Black,” she notes. “When you don’t see enough people who look like you in a field, you might think it’s not for you. Representation matters.”
Her advice to young women and aspiring professionals? “Don’t limit yourself. You don’t have to follow a single, rigid path. You can be a dentist and a comedian. You can be a scientist and an artist. Hold onto all of your dreams and let them shape your journey.”
The Work at Zufall Health Center: Bringing Dental Care to Communities
In her role as Senior Vice President of Dental Services at Zufall Health Center, Dr. Duncan works to integrate dental care into a broader healthcare framework. “We treat the whole human being,” she explains. “You can’t separate the mouth from the rest of the body.”
A significant part of this mission involves mobile dental clinics—fully equipped dental buses that provide care to schools, farms, nursing homes, and public housing communities. “If someone is afraid to go to the dentist, they may delay care,” she says. “But when they step outside their home and see a mobile clinic parked outside, it’s an opportunity they might take.”
Dr. Duncan emphasizes that the quality of care at Zufall Health matches that of private dental practices. “We do not cut corners. We use the best materials and advanced technology while ensuring affordability. Our goal is to provide high-quality care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Impact
Dr. Duncan’s work doesn’t stop at healthcare and education. She is also finalizing her second book, “Good Human”, which explores the intersection of leadership, ethics, and humanity. “One of my mentors told me, ‘You can only be as good at your profession as you are as a human being,’” she recalls. “That idea has stuck with me.”
Additionally, she is preparing for her 7° Gala on February 15th, an event that celebrates her birthday, raises scholarship funds, and honors trailblazing Black women in education. “This year, we’re recognizing four women who have been pioneers in their fields—including my own mother,” she says.
For those looking to connect with Dr. Duncan, she invites engagement through her website, DrJadeDuncan.com, and Instagram, @DrJDuncan. “I offer free 15-minute virtual coffee chats where people can ask me anything,” she shares. “Whether you need career advice, strategy sessions, or just someone to talk to—I’m here.”
Dr. Duncan’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community impact. Her parting advice? “Life is more than just grinding toward one goal. Take care of yourself, dream big, and enjoy the journey.”
