17th Annual Meeting - Hispanic Dental Association

About HDA

Hispanic Dental Association

Currently, oral care in the United States is undergoing many great and exciting changes,
one of which is a growing number of Hispanic dental practitioners and patients.
This growth is expected to continue well into the 21st century when some experts project
a U.S. population that will be 40% Hispanic. 2000 census figures showed a 58 percent
increase in our Hispanic population since 1990. The Latino population grew to 37 million
in July 2001, up 4.7 percent from April 2000 as announced by the Census Bureau in January,
2003.

The Hispanic Dental Association is in a unique position to play a major role during this
time of change. Read on for an outline of the many HDA programs, benefits and activities
that are serving practitioners and patients in the nation.

The HDA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Objectives

• Provide a voice for the Hispanic oral professional in the United States.

• Promote the oral health of the Hispanic community through improved prevention,
  treatment and education.

• Foster research and knowledge concerning Hispanic oral health problems.

• Disseminate information to both Hispanic dental professionals and the community
  at large.

• Provide a worldwide source of continuing education for oral health professionals
  serving the Hispanic community.

• Stimulate interest and encourage entry of Hispanics into oral health.

Community

Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the USA. The 2000 Census has shown an
increase of Hispanics in America of 58 percent from 1990 to the 2000 number of 35.3 million.
This increased growth pattern creates two crucial factors:

• An increased need to improve the overall health of the Hispanic population.

• The observance that Hispanics are a growing buying power and a force to be recognized.

Health

Hispanics present specific health problems. The prevalence of disease is higher than white non-Hispanics. Some interesting factors that may be related to disease, including oral
disease, are tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as dietary preferences. These may
contribute to diabetes mellitus, chronic liver diseases and oral and pharyngeal cancer.

The Hispanic Dental Association was established in 1990 by 10 Hispanic dental professionals.
A national organization, its membership now covers all states in the US and is heaviest in
those states with large Hispanic populations. Members include Hispanic professionals and non-Hispanics; dentists and dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental technologists,
academics and practicing professionals, students, researchers. Along with these members
is a Corporate Round Table composed of firms who have partnered with the HDA in reaching
the goals of the Association. A vast spectrum of individuals with a wide range of focus have
gathered to create an organization dedicated to improving the oral health of our Hispanic
population.

A newsletter, HDA News & Reports, published quarterly, brings the membership and the wider
dental community up-to-date on HDA activities and achievements, interactions with state and
federal government bodies, and programs designed to benefit the Hispanic population.
Due to the great demand for bilingual (English/Spanish) dental professionals, the publication
also carries classified advertisements. The HDA News & Reports is distributed nationally to
dental professionals and students.

Each year, the HDA hosts, in a different part of the country, an Annual Meeting which offers
continuing education, leadership activities, student programs - all wrapped up in a time
of networking and socializing with others who share in the interest of the
Association's critical mission - "optimizing the oral health of the Hispanic Community."