Dr. Zerita C. Buchanan is a fourth-generation dentist and a proud HBCU graduate. Her commitment to health equity led her to be recognized as a "Healthcare Hero" by her alma mater Spelman College.

As the first African-American woman appointed to the Board of Fellows at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, she has become a powerful voice for progress and a catalyst for systemic change in oral health leadership. Dr. Buchanan is celebrated for her expertise in health policy, workforce innovation, and corporate social impact. She utilizes her influential social media platform to address oral health inequities and to mentor the next generation of culturally competent dentists.

Her leadership in addressing the dental workforce shortage earned her the 2024 American Dental Association 10 Under 10 Award, one of the ADA’s highest honors for early-career dentists. Building on this track record, Dr. Buchanan is now opening Imagine Medical & Dental Group (IMDG), a technology-forward, multi-specialty practice in Atlanta, GA designed to expand access to dental, orthodontic, and gynecological care. IMDG will integrate advanced technology and artificial intelligence across all specialties to enhance early disease detection, reduce errors, and ensure every patient receives high-quality care.

Dr. Buchanan serves as an adjunct professor at Morehouse School of Medicine in the Department of Medical Education and sits on the board of Georgians for a Healthy Future, where she advocates for health policies that advance equity and access across the state. She also serves as the Assistant Director of the IDID Pipeline Program, a 501(c)(3) organization that mentors over 1,500 pre-dental students nationwide.