Free Tools for Patients
Getting dental care can be hard. These tools are here to make it a little easier.
Dental Access Navigator (DAN)
Not sure where to go for dental care? Tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking for, and we'll help you find options in the Gainesville area that fit your needs.
No sign-up. We never ask for your name, address, or insurance ID, and DnD doesn't save your answers.
Accommodations Generator
For patients with disabilities or special healthcare needs. Build your ideal treatment environment, from how things are explained to sensory needs, accessibility, and support. You'll get a one-page sheet to give your dentist so they know how to best care for you.
Runs only on your device. Nothing is sent to DnD or saved, and you decide who gets your sheet.
What is Disparity in Dentistry?
Disparity in Dentistry is a pre-dental organization focused on disparities in dentistry, particularly improving exposure to care for patients with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Our three main objectives are introducing students to the clinical realities of special care dentistry, increasing awareness of systemic barriers, and developing early familiarity with the tools, techniques, and ethical considerations involved in treating these populations.
DnD 1001
DND1001 is our structured, curriculum-based educational model. Instead of relying on broad, introductory talks, each session is designed as a focused, topic-driven module led by professionals with direct expertise. Our unique mission is to provide depth over breadth, allowing speakers to teach a specific concept, clinical approach, or challenge within disability populations that they are particularly experienced with. We hope this creates an active learning environment and gives students a clearer, more practical understanding of special care dentistry.
Meet our Advisors
Dr. Bryan Smallwood
Lead Faculty Advisor
D.M.D., M.P.H., C.P.H.
Dr. Bryan Smallwood, D.M.D., M.P.H., C.P.H., is the faculty advisor for Disparity in Dentistry and a major inspiration behind the organization's mission. A 2022 UF College of Dentistry graduate and current clinical assistant professor in UF's Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, Dr. Smallwood has focused his work on improving oral healthcare access for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through his leadership in community-based care and student training at the Marion County Department of Health and The Arc of Alachua County, he has helped model the kind of advocacy, compassion, and clinical purpose that Disparity in Dentistry hopes to bring to the next generation of pre-dental students.
Michelle Cooper
Clinical/Research Coordinator
UF College of Dentistry CDBS
Lauren Mai
Current D2
UF College of Dentistry
Ailinh Mai
Current D1
UF College of Dentistry
How to Get Involved
Interested in joining our mission? We are always looking for students, faculty, clinicians, and community leaders who want to contribute to conversations around access, advocacy, and special care dentistry. Your involvement can help shape a more informed and compassionate future in oral healthcare.