Code of Conduct

The North Carolina Indian Dental Association ("NC IDA") is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and professional environment for everyone who participates in our community. This Code of Conduct sets the expectations we hold for ourselves and for everyone who engages with NC IDA.

1. Our Commitment

NC IDA is dedicated to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and community among dental professionals of Indian origin in North Carolina. We pledge to make participation in our events and community a harassment-free, dignified experience for everyone — regardless of age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, professional standing, or career stage.

2. Who This Applies To

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• NC IDA members and prospective members;
• Attendees, speakers, and volunteers at NC IDA events (in person or virtual);
• Officers, directors, and committee members of NC IDA;
• Sponsors, vendors, and exhibitors associated with NC IDA events;
• Guests of any of the above.

It applies in all NC IDA spaces — events, online forums, social media accounts operated by NC IDA, email lists, and one-on-one communications between members about NC IDA matters.

3. Expected Behavior

We expect every participant to:

• Treat one another with respect, courtesy, and professionalism, including in disagreements;
• Welcome newcomers, students, and early-career professionals with the openness our own mentors showed us;
• Honor the cultural traditions of our community while creating space for those of differing backgrounds;
• Respect personal boundaries and the right of others to participate without intrusion;
• Use inclusive language and assume good faith;
• Acknowledge that professional disagreements are healthy and personal attacks are not.

4. Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are not tolerated at NC IDA events or in NC IDA spaces:

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form, whether verbal, written, physical, or visual;
• Unwelcome sexual attention, advances, or commentary;
• Slurs, derogatory comments, or jokes targeting any individual or group based on the characteristics listed in Section 1;
• Threats of violence or violent language directed at another person;
• Stalking, following, or unwanted photography or recording;
• Sustained disruption of events, talks, or discussions;
• Publishing private or identifying information about other participants without their explicit consent ("doxing");
• Inappropriate physical contact;
• Encouraging, condoning, or aiding any of the above.

Professional behavior expected of dental practitioners — including the standards set by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and the American Dental Association — applies in all NC IDA settings as well.

5. Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it. Reports may be made:

• By email to the NC IDA Board at ncindiandental@gmail.com. Reports sent to this address are received by the Board officers and will be treated as confidential.
• In person to any NC IDA Board member or designated event point of contact (typically the event host or a member of the Board present at the event).

You may report on behalf of yourself or someone else. Reports may be anonymous, though anonymous reports may limit the Board's ability to respond fully or follow up.

When reporting, it helps to include: what happened, when and where it happened, who was involved (and any witnesses), and any supporting context (messages, screenshots, etc.). You will not be asked to confront the person you are reporting.

6. How Reports Are Handled

The Board (or a designated subset of disinterested Board members where appropriate) will review every report it receives. Handling will, where possible, follow these principles:

• Confidentiality. Details of reports are shared only with those who need to know to address the matter. Reporters' identities are not disclosed without their consent except where required by law.
• Timeliness. The Board will acknowledge receipt of a report within seven (7) days and aim to communicate next steps within thirty (30) days.
• Fairness. Both the reporter and the person reported will have an opportunity to share their account before any decision is made, except in cases of immediate safety risk.
• Documentation. The Board will keep a written record of reports and their resolution, separate from general meeting minutes, in a manner that protects the privacy of those involved.

7. Consequences

Where the Board determines a violation of this Code has occurred, possible responses include, but are not limited to:

• A private warning;
• A request to apologize, change behavior, or refrain from contact with another participant;
• Removal from a current event without refund of attendance or sponsorship fees;
• Exclusion from future NC IDA events for a defined period or indefinitely;
• Termination of NC IDA membership;
• Referral to law enforcement or to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners where the conduct may warrant.

The response chosen will reflect the severity of the conduct, any pattern of prior conduct, the impact on those affected, and the response of the person involved.

8. No Retaliation

NC IDA prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith or who participates in the review of a concern, even if the concern is not ultimately substantiated. Retaliation is itself a violation of this Code.

9. Changes to This Code

The Board may update this Code from time to time. The Effective date above will be revised when changes are made. Substantive changes will be communicated to members.

10. Contact

Questions about this Code, or concerns that fall outside a formal report, may be directed to the NC IDA Board at ncindiandental@gmail.com.