LISTERINE and Compound have collaborated to introduce The Whoa Collection, a collaborative effort designed to spark conversations about the diversity gap in dentistry, specifically within the Black community.
In celebration, a private charity event was held at The Compound Art Gallery in Brooklyn, NYC. The event featured a discussion moderated by Angie Martinez featuring Set Free Richardson, Founder of The Compound, Joahne Carter, Commercial Leader, Oral Care, Dr. Zerita Buchanan, Assistant Director of Increasing Diversity in Dentistry Pipeline Program (IDID), and former/current Increasing Diversity in Dentistry (IDID) students.
During the discussion, Dr. Buchanan shared the purpose of the IDID program, a growing non-profit focused on developing and mentoring Black dental professionals. “Our goal is to diversify the dental workforce by creating more Black and Brown dentists.” Dr. Chris Hynes, a former student of IDID, elaborated on his experience as an alum. “I am a direct recipient of IDID. The only reason I can even call myself a doctor is because of this woman right here.” Dr. Hynes said about Joahne Carter.
Saladeen, whose artwork is on the bottle, shared his reasoning for the design. “I knew how big of an impact it would be merging the gap between art, music, and Listerine.” As a testament to his belief, Saldeen shared how baffling purchases have been since the release of the limited edition bottle. “People that collect my art went wild!” Saladeen said. “People were buying fifty bottles and a hundred bottles. It was a challenge [of how many] people can get the most bottles.”
After the discussion, DJ Clark Kent performed a set for guests to enjoy alongside a live auction of King Saladeen’s canvas and additional donations to the IDID program. The limited edition bottle is now on sale at your local Target, and plans for Walmart soon. All fundraising efforts and proceeds will directly benefit Increasing Diversity in Dentistry (IDID).
