We're a dynamic group of individuals who are passionate about empowering black oral health for our members and community.
Dr. James was born in Alberta, to parents of St. Lucian descent. Dr. James attended the University of Alberta where he played football for the Golden Bears while obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Science and Master's Degree in Public Health (Health Policy and Management). After obtaining his D.D.S. from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2012, he completed a 1 year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Wichita State University. Dr. James was a general dentist practice owner for 10 years in Edmonton, AB. He is a member of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) as well as a Vivos Integrated Provider focusing on Airway Development and Sleep Apnea. Dr. James founded the BDAC to support and elevate the community of Black oral health professionals in Canada to realize the greatness with which they were made by God.
View LinkedIn →Dr. Taylor earned his degree from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Taylor has focused on Reconstructive Dentistry and developed a passion for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. He has always prioritized providing the best care for his patients by extensive training in additional areas like Cosmetic Dentistry. As the Oral Health Committee chair for the British Columbian Dental Association, he led the Community Dental Day Program. As the former President and executive board member of the Vancouver District Dental Society, he has cultivated collaborative relationships with the Vancouver Aboriginal Healthcare Society's Dental Clinic in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Dr. Taylor volunteers and works with local not-for-profit dental clinics and international dental missions abroad as he continues to provide increased access to care in his community. He lives and works in Vancouver, B.C.
View LinkedIn →Hope is a Registered Dental Hygienist with nine years of experience across Edmonton and Toronto. Her career spans clinical practice, post-secondary program implementation, and clinical leadership. She currently serves as a Clinical Development Manager with a large dental support organization (DSO).
Born to Rwandan parents and raised across multiple homes, including Zimbabwe, Hope’s upbringing was shaped by diverse cultures and her parents’ work with the World Health Organization. These experiences fostered her deep appreciation for representation and equity in healthcare.
As Dental Hygiene Lead with the Black Dental Association of Canada, Hope is passionate about fostering excellence through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. She believes in the power of collective growth and is committed to helping create spaces where Black, Brown, and Indigenous oral health professionals feel supported, see themselves reflected in leadership, and are empowered to lead the next generation.
Outside of work, Hope is a certified Pilates instructor who loves travelling, wellness, and hosting cozy dinners and gatherings with loved ones.
View LinkedIn →Originally from Liberia, Jenneh is a dental hygiene student at the University of Saskatchewan with a passion for community advocacy, representation, and health equity.
Her commitment to these values is reflected in both her academic achievements and her involvement in initiatives that support and empower others. In 2026, Jenneh became the first dental hygiene researcher in Canada and at the University of Saskatchewan to receive the IADR/AADOCR/CADR Abstract Award, recognizing her dedication to advancing healthcare through research.
Beyond her academic pursuits, she serves as the Outreach Lead and Social Media Coordinator for the Black Dental Association of Canada, where she works to strengthen community connections, amplify Black representation in dentistry, and create opportunities for the next generation of dental professionals.
Ezekiel Kwandahor-Mensah is a Biology major, pre-dental student, and student-athlete at Shaw University, where he combines academic excellence, leadership, athletics, and service. As a Canadian student attending an HBCU, Ezekiel has developed a unique perspective on the importance of representation, mentorship, and creating pathways for Black students to pursue careers in dentistry.
A 4.0 GPA student, Honors Scholar, and Strada Scholar, Ezekiel has pursued opportunities in research, leadership, and community engagement. He has conducted cancer research at Duke University’s Cancer Institute, founded a Pre-Dental Society at Shaw University, and led an informatics seminar for high school students interested in STEM.
As the Pre-Dental Lead for the Black Dental Association of Canada, Ezekiel hopes to use his experiences at an HBCU to strengthen the pipeline of Black students entering dentistry. He aims to connect aspiring dental students with mentorship, research opportunities, professional resources, and Black dental professionals while helping students recognize dentistry as an attainable and rewarding career. Through this role, Ezekiel hopes to bridge the Black dental communities in Canada and the United States.
Ashley is a Jamaican-born student and aspiring dentist based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies while preparing for a future career in dentistry with a strong interest in community advocacy, representation, and mentorship. Ashley has been actively involved in leadership and volunteer initiatives that support cultural celebration, inclusion, and youth engagement within Edmonton’s Black community.
Her involvement includes leadership roles with community organizations and festivals, where she has contributed to event coordination, mentorship, and outreach initiatives that strengthen community connections and create welcoming spaces for diverse voices. Ashley is passionate about increasing Black representation within healthcare and supporting future generations of Black students pursuing careers in oral health professions.
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