About HDA

The Hispanic Dental Association is a national, non-profit 501(c)3 organization comprised of oral health professionals and students dedicated to promoting and improving the oral health of the Hispanic community and providing advocacy for Hispanic oral health professionals across the US.

Mission & Vision:

As the leading voice for Hispanic oral health we provide service, education, advocacy, and leadership for elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic community.

Founded in 1990, the history of HDA is one of inclusive nature driven by our mission. Incorporated in Texas with a national scope, the HDA’s founding members shared a common commitment to improve the oral health of the Hispanic community.

HDA Past Presidents Timeline

At a time when Hispanics represent more than 50.5 million (2010 U.S. Census). and one out of every sixth person is Hispanic, this segment of our population is underrepresented in medical and dental professions, allied health field and academia. According to Hispanic Business, the percentage of Hispanics with bachelor’s or higher degrees has increased from 8.5 percent in 1985 to 13.2 in 2009, numbers still well below the general population that have such degrees.

The Hispanic Dental Association is in a unique position to play a major role during this time of change and growth that both meets the needs and improves the oral health of Hispanics by accomplishing our mission. 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.

The community context in which HDA operates is one in which it needs service-oriented individuals to provide culturally competent oral health education and expanded access to services. Below is a scope of the many HDA programs, benefits and activities that are serving practitioners and patients in the nation.

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.