Budding Black Dentists Network CIC, also known as Budding Black Dentists, is a non-profit organisation focused on improving Black representation within the dental workforce and the dental curriculum. The organisation was founded in 2020 by Simisola Fynn-Famodun during her fourth year of dental school. The idea emerged after her and two of her coursemates Vivienne Onamusi and El-Eden Biney, recognised the significant lack of Black representation in dentistry and the barriers many Black students and professionals faced when trying to access and progress within the profession.
(From left to right: Simisola Fynn-Famodun, El-Eden Biney and Vivienne Onamusi)
At its core, Budding Black Dentists was formed to address three major issues:
- The underrepresentation of Black dentists within the UK dental profession
- Limited access to mentorship, guidance, and professional networks for Black students and young professionals
- A lack of visibility around oral health conditions and how they present in darker-skinned patients.
To address these issues, the organisation devised three main objectives:
- To equip aspiring Black dentists with the necessary tools needed for each stage of their dental journey
- To educate the Black community on the importance of oral health and what dentistry entails via outreach programmes
- To establish a strong network of Black dentists for the facilitation of mentoring schemes.
The organisation recognised that many aspiring dentists from Black backgrounds did not have access to role models, insider knowledge or support systems that could help them navigate the journey into dentistry. Budding Black Dentists Network was therefore created as both an educational and community-driven platform to bridge those gaps and create a stronger sense of belonging within the profession.
Since its inception, the organisation has grown into a nationally recognised network of 13 dental professionals dedicated to delivering outreach, mentorship, education and community-building initiatives across the UK. Its work spans several important areas:
Supporting aspiring dentists
Budding Black Dentists Network has delivered:
- 4 Personal statement workshops
- 8 Mock Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI) sessions
- 3 Mentorship programmes
- Multiple career talks and educational webinars
These initiatives help aspiring dental students become more competitive applicants while also building confidence and providing access to guidance that many students may otherwise not receive. Testimonials published by the organisation highlight students successfully gaining offers to study dentistry at institutions including Bristol, Sheffield, Plymouth and UCLAN after attending workshops and interview preparation sessions.
Mentorship and professional development
In 2023, the organisation launched its mentorship programme and outreach initiative, pairing dental applicants and dental students with mentors further along in their careers. This has helped create a pipeline of support from aspiring students through to qualified professionals.
As part of their ongoing work to inspire the next generation of dental professionals and assist in their professional development, Budding Black Dentists will also be hosting its Specialties in Dentistry Conference in collaboration with Bupa Dental Care this July at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London. The conference will bring together dental students, dentists, and specialists for interactive talks, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities designed to increase awareness and accessibility around careers in dental specialties while continuing to promote diversity and representation within the profession.
Community outreach and oral health education
The organisation also works directly with schools and community groups to:
- Raise awareness about dentistry as a career
- Educate communities about oral health
- Increase understanding of oral diseases and how they may present on darker-skinned individuals and in Black communities
This work is particularly important because representation in healthcare is closely linked to trust, engagement and health outcomes. Budding Black Dentists has used social media, webinars and in-person events to improve awareness and accessibility around oral health education.
Building a professional support network
Another major part of the organisation’s impact has been creating safe and empowering spaces for Black dental students and professionals to connect. Through networking events, and collaborative initiatives, Budding Black Dentists has helped foster a stronger sense of community within a profession where many individuals may previously have felt isolated.
The measurable impact of the organisation already includes:
- Over 180 primary and secondary school pupils introduced to dentistry
- More than 30 dental applicants and dental students matched with mentors
- 18+ educational and networking events delivered
- 98% of mock MMI workshop attendees reporting increased preparedness
- Numerous students securing dental school offers after participating in the organisation’s programmes
Today, Budding Black Dentists Network CIC continues to collaborate with dental students, dentists, and community organisations across the UK to create lasting change within dentistry and improve equity in both professional opportunities and oral health education.