2008 Scientific Abstract Competition

Hispanic Dental Association Announces
2008 Arturo Santiago / Dentsply International
Scientific Abstract Competition Award Winner 

Dental researchers with an interest in optimizing oral health for the Hispanic community participated this year in the 2008 Arturo Santiago / Dentsply International Scientific Research Competition at the Hispanic Dental Association's 16th Annual Meeting in Carefree, Arizona. The competition, which took place on Saturday, November 15th, was chaired by Dr. Oscar Arevalo of the University of Kentucky. The competition was sponsored by HDA Corporate Roundtable Sponsor Dentsply International, and is an annual competition with a financial prize of $1,000 awarded to the winner. This year's judges were Drs. Manuel Cordero, Hubert Benitez, and Freder Jaramillo. The winner, A. Melissa Vargas, DMD, of the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Dentistry, was presented with a check at the Gala Ceremonies. Honorable mention was given to Maria Velasco, a dental student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Margo Melchor, RDH, BSDH is captured below with winner, A. Melissa Vargas.