Equal Treatment Policy

Published by the American Dental Coders Association

1. Policy Statement

The American Dental Coders Association (ADCA) is dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and fair environment where every individual is treated with dignity and afforded equal opportunity, regardless of personal or demographic characteristics. This policy confirms ADCA’s commitment to equality, non-discrimination, and the promotion of diversity across its certification programs, training services, membership, employment practices, and public communications.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure equal and fair treatment for all individuals connected to ADCA.
• Prohibit all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all organizational activities.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All ADCA employees, contractors, instructors, board members, and volunteers.
• All students, members, applicants, and examination candidates.
• All programs, services, policies, communications, and public events organized or endorsed by ADCA.

4. Principles of Equal Treatment

ADCA is committed to the following core principles:

• Fair Access: All individuals will have equal access to ADCA services, certifications, and opportunities.
• Non-Discrimination: No individual shall be treated less favorably on the basis of:
  • Race, ethnicity, or color
  • National origin or language
  • Religion or belief
  • Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
  • Age
  • Marital or family status
  • Disability or health status
  • Veteran status or military affiliation
  • Socioeconomic background
  • Any other legally protected status
• Inclusion: ADCA actively seeks to include individuals from underrepresented or marginalized groups in its programs, boards, and leadership opportunities.

5. Recruitment and Employment Practices

ADCA ensures that:

• Hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and termination decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs.
• Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Job descriptions and postings use inclusive, unbiased language.
• All employment and contractor relationships are governed by this Equal Treatment Policy.

6. Education and Certification

ADCA ensures that:

• All students and certification candidates are treated fairly during enrollment, training, testing, and evaluation.
• Training materials and examination content reflect diversity and are free from bias or stereotyping.
• Complaints of unequal treatment or exam-related bias are handled through a fair and documented grievance process.

7. Harassment and Bullying Prevention

ADCA prohibits all forms of:

• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates an individual’s dignity or creates a hostile environment.
• Bullying: Repeated, unreasonable behavior that intimidates, offends, degrades, or humiliates another individual.

Harassment and bullying may be verbal, physical, visual, or digital. All complaints will be investigated promptly and handled with discretion.

8. Reasonable Accommodation

ADCA will provide reasonable accommodations for:

• Individuals with disabilities or health conditions
• Religious observance and practices
• Other protected needs as required by law

Requests for accommodation should be submitted in writing to: access@adcaonline.org

9. Reporting and Complaint Procedure

Anyone who believes they have been treated unfairly, harassed, or discriminated against is encouraged to report the incident without fear of retaliation.

Reports should be directed to:

Equal Treatment Compliance Officer
American Dental Coders Association
Email: equality@adcaonline.org

All reports will be:

• Treated seriously and confidentially.
• Investigated fairly, promptly, and without bias.
• Resolved through restorative and/or disciplinary action when appropriate.

10. Accountability and Review

ADCA leadership is responsible for:

• Enforcing this policy at all organizational levels.
• Ensuring ongoing education and awareness among staff and instructors.
• Regularly reviewing this policy to remain compliant with evolving legal standards and community needs.

Last Reviewed: June 4, 2025
Next Review Due: June 2026

11. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

ADCA believes that promoting equal treatment is not a one-time task, but an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to:

• Listening to feedback from our members and community.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to improve access and inclusion.
• Evaluating progress through metrics and periodic policy assessments.

Together, we are building a profession where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.