about HDA


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:

  1. An increased need to improve the overall health of the Hispanic population.
  2. 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. 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.

The HDA now has 10 working committees, 35 regional affiliate chapters, 41 institutional supporters and 8 professional organization supporters. In addition, a Corporate Round Table was created in 1998 which is composed of firms who have committed to advising the Association on reaching its goals of growth and ongoing programs.

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. Updates on HDA Foundation scholarship programs and organizational business are included. The HDA News & Reports is distributed nationally to dental professionals and students.

Some issues of HDA News & Reports include a Scientific Review Section, which is published in both English and Spanish encouraging a sharing of knowledge with Latin American dental researchers for the benefit of all dental professionals.

This site was last updated July 17, 2006.