Event Synopsis

Record turnout for 2002 Annual Meeting!

Our 10th Annual Meeting in San Diego drew a record crowd of over 220 professionals and students interested in closing the gap in oral health disparities. In addition, we are proud to have a record number of exhibitors this year. Their presence indicates a sense of the growing stature of our Association. Conference objectives were met through a series of sessions addressing the central theme of the meeting.

Juan D. Villarreal, DDS, 2002-2003 President, conducted our Opening Ceremonies opening with an acknowledgment of Dr. Gustavo Cruz, Scientific Program chair for this meeting and Drs. Ramon Baez, Romer Ocanto, Ricardo Mendoza, Maria Rhi, Lilia Larin and Mr. Vince O’Hara for their extensive efforts planning this program. And Dr. Maria Rosa Watson who was Co-Principal Investigator for the NIDCR grant.

Our Keynote Speaker, Dushanka V. Kleinman, DDS, M.ScD, NIDCR Deputy Director and Assistant Surgeon General in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Dr. Kleinman spoke specifically on the National Oral Health Plan and how the PHS can partner with HDA.

Presentations were delivered by nationally recognized oral health care experts, NIDCR officers, policy makers, representatives of other organizations, such as a powerful presentation by Elena Rios, MD, MSPHS, President of the National Medical Hispanic Association. In addition, clinicians and NIDCR grantees discussed specific actions and strategies necessary for the elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic population. Other sessions focused on: a) legislation needed to increase access to oral health care, b) collaborations with the medical profession in order to achieve the goal of considering oral health care as part of primary care, c) dissemination of information about specific oral/medical problems of importance to the Hispanic population such as craniofacial defects and pediatric oral diseases and d) increasing oral health literacy among the Hispanic population.

Student/New Professional Program: Over 75 students enjoyed their own special program in addition to participating in the overall two-day scientific program. Special sessions focused on: Risk Management Tips, What to Look For: Partnerships, Associateships, Sole Practice, and Tricks of the Trade: Efficiency on the Job. In addition, the students enjoyed a general discussion period during which student chapter activities, accomplishments and problems were shared and answered.

Juan D. Villarreal, DDS
2002-2003 President Scientific Chair, HDA 10th Annual Meeting

Gustavo D. Cruz, DMD, MPH
Chair, HDA 10th Annual Meeting New York University School of Dentistry

10th Annual Meeting New York University School of Dentistry

Ramon J. Baez, DDS, MPH: Associate Professor, Department of General Dentistry and Community Dentistry at UCTHSC, San Antonio, Texas and Head of the WHO Collaborating Center in Oral Health, San Antonio, Texas.

Ivan Lugo, DDS, MBA: Associate Dean for Institutional Relations and Community Affairs and Associate Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Surgery, Temple University.

Maria Rhi, DDS: Private Practitioner, San Diego, California. Founder and Past President-HDA San Diego/Baja Bi-National Chapter, HDA Voluntary Advisory Panel - Mexican Consulate, Past President San Diego Assn. Women Dentists.

Scientific Poster Committee

Romer A. Ocanto, DDS, MSPH, Med: Assistant Professor, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.

Ricardo Y Mendoza, DDS, MS: Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).