MISSION:

To advance healthier Hispanic communities through oral health

VISION:

We improve Hispanic health through scholarship and leadership opportunities

HDA Foundation Board of Directors

 

       President
        Sarita Arteaga, DMD, MA,    MAGD

Vice President
Paula Vogel

         Treasurer
             Victor Rodriguez, DDS, MEd

Secretary
Maritza Morell, DMD, MS, MPH
Board of Trustees
Alina O'Brien, DDS
Matilde Hernandez, DDS, MA, MBA
Margo Melchor, RDH, EdD
Mario Ramos, DMD
Ricardo Mendoza, DDS, MS
Jorge Rojas, DDS

Development Officer

Jen Blake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the  Hispanic Dental Association Foundation visit: https://www.hispanicdentalassociationfoundation.org/

2025 HDAF Scholarship Application

Make a donation here

Foundation History & Highlights

  • The Hispanic Dental Association Foundation (HDAF) was established when the Hispanic Dental Association was formed in 1990.
  • The HDAF is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created for the purpose of awarding grants and scholarships to individuals
  • The HDA Board of Trustees reviewed the work of the HDAF in 2007 and gave its full support to its Board of Directors to continue to advance the goals of the Foundation.
  • In the last years, HDAF has awarded over $100,000 to deserving students pursuing dental education. In 2012 alone, the HDAF awarded over $37,000 in these scholarships.
  • The HDAF has enjoyed strong support from corporations such as Colgate-Palmolive (a founding donor) and Procter & Gamble, as well as  individuals like Dr. Juan Villarreal, the HDA's first member to create a scholarship fund.
  • Initiated the first Hispanics Open Up About Oral Health Care Survey in collaboration with Crest and Oral-B to better understand the impact and relevance of Hispanic specific oral health issues in the US.

Hispanic Dental Association Chair, Dr. Sarita Arteaga and HDA President, Dr. Maritza Morell, signing the Memorandum of Understanding during the 2013 Annual Meeting


Crest pass along card HDAFCrest pass along card HDAF2

 

The following information is from Crest and HDAF via Hispanicize 2014

BRIDGING THE ORAL CARE KNOWLEDGE GAP AMONG HISPANICS

  • 21% of U.S. Hispanics currently are misinformed whether cavities will go away on their own if you brush regularly
  • 53% of U.S. Hispanics are misinformed if brushing is more important than flossing
  • One of the key barriers to better oral health for U.S. Hispanics still remains a lack of dental insurance: 48% vs. 39% among the General population
  • 51% of U.S. Hispanics surveyed correctly understand that gingivitis will not go away on its own with brushing – still less than 67% recorded among the General population