About HDA

MISSION STATEMENT

“As the leading voice for Hispanic Oral Health we provide Service, Education, Advocacy, and Leadership for promotion of Overall Health of the Hispanic and other under-served communities.”

VISION STATEMENT

“Eliminate Oral Health disparities in the Hispanic and other under-served communities.”

 

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

HDA Past Presidents

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 meet the needs and improves the oral health of Hispanics by accomplishing our mission.  This increased growth pattern creates two crucial factors:

  1. There is an increased need to improve the overall health of the Hispanic population.
  2. Hispanics have a growing economic impact both as consumers and providers of Oral Healthcare services as well as participants in higher learning institutions. The community context in which HDA operates is one in which it needs service-oriented individuals to provide culturally competent oral health 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

  • Unify all Hispanic Oral Health professional under one Organization in order to have one voice to better serve our people and the USA
  • Provide a united 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 and its solutions.
  • 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 open the pipeline for Hispanics into oral health careers.