News Reports - Hispanic Dental Association

hispanicdental@HDAssoc.org
www.HDAssoc.org
News&
Reports
Issue Number 170 - Fall 2012
“As the leading voice for Hispanic oral health we provide SERVICE, EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, and
LEADERSHIP for the elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic community.” National Headquarters:
1111 14th Street - NW Suite 1100
Washington DC 20005
HDA Hires New Executive Director
David Penã, Jr.
Executive Director/CEO
Hispanic Dental Association
Dear HDA Family,
It is my distinct pleasure and honor to have been recently named Executive Director/
CEO for the Hispanic Dental Association. I am humbled that the Board of Trustees have
entrusted me with transitioning HDA to its new national headquarters in Washington DC
and to execute HDA’s member programs and services.
I am truly excited for the opportunity to build on the strong history of service,
achievements in advocacy, growing member programs and unique oral health partnerships
that exemplify HDA’s mission.
As a professional with over 16 years of association management experience, I look
forward to integrating my many years of health advocacy, non-profit management, event
planning and small business experience to the Hispanic Dental Association.
Organization, Communication, Member Support and Personal interactions will
exemplify my management style in the coming year.
I look forward to meeting many of you in 2013. Please feel free to contact me at any
time. I also encourage all members and partners to visit our website in the coming weeks
to stay connected and informed of the many exciting changes coming to HDA. We sincerely,
appreciate your membership and pledge to work diligently every day in our efforts to support
you as a member and your local chapters. Furthermore, we look forward to building stronger
coalitions with organizations and agencies that are involved in the work and advocacy for
the elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic community.
David Penã, Jr., Executive Director/CEO
New Beginnings!
HDA Foundation picture taken October 20, 2012 at ADA
meeting. The Hispanic Dental Association Foundation met
in San Francisco on October 20, 2012 for a board meeting
to discuss Foundation activities and plans. Pictured are
Dr. Victor Rodriguez, Paula Vogel, Dr. Ernie Garcia, Dr.
Sarita Arteaga, Margo Melchor, and Dr. Ivan Lugo
The Hispanic Dental Association National office is transitioning
from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, DC. The office relocation is
part of long-term strategic goals and the fulfillment of a 20-year
vision of the HDA Trustees, founders, corporate supporters and
members.
As part of the relocation and move, HDA has hired a full-time
Executive Director/CEO who will be located at the new National
Headquarters. To facilitate the move to Washington, DC the HDA
office is closed but will reopen in early January, 2013.
Thank you for your patience as we look forward to new and
exciting opportunities created by the relocation. If you need to
contact HDA staff, please contact us via e-mail at: hispanicdental@
HDAssoc.org.
HDA National Headquarters
1111 14th Street - NW Suite 1100
Washington DC 20005
www.HDAssoc.org
Message from the President
2012 Board of Trustees
President
Lilia Larin, DDS
National City, California
President-Elect
Maritza Morell, DDS, MS, MPH
Boston, Massachusetts
Vice President
Tyrone Rodriguez, DDS
Yakima, Washington
Treasurer
Irubiel Barbosa, DDS
Los Angeles, California
Immediate Past President
Margo Y. Melchor, RDH, MEd
Houston, Texas
Trustees
Vidal Balderas, DDS, MPH
San Antonio, Texas
Amaralis Jacobo, DDS
New York, NY
Mildred McClain, , PHN, PhD
Las Vegas, NV
Lauro Medrano-Saldana, DDS
Brooklyn, New York
Frank Ramos, DDS
San Antonio, TX
Esperanza Rodriguez, DDS
Bronx, New York
Adriana Segura, DDS, MS
San Antonio, Texas
Myriam Zambrano, RDH, BSDH
Houston, Texas
Student Trustee
Melissa Uriegas
Edinburg, TX
Executive Director
C. Yolanda Bonta, DMD, MS, MS
Somerset, New Jersey
2012 will be remembered as a landmark year for The Hispanic
Dental Association!
Our biggest accomplishment no doubt is our office
headquarters relocation to Washington DC! This move brings HDA
closer to the footsteps of where we are needed most and where
we can increasingly make the most impact for our community
and our mission. In a year when Hispanics have demonstrated
their power at the voting polls HDA’s move to DC is bound to help
reach new heights of influence through increased advocacy and
collaboration.
Having our own office and moving our headquarters to DC Lilia Larin, DDS
has been on HDA’s strategic plan for over 6 Years and in 2012 your President, HDA
HDA leadership adds action to its words. Many thanks to HDA’s
Executive Committee and Board of Trustees for supporting and approving the move and
for having the courage and vision to move forward in accomplishing a long time dream for
HDA!
We are so excited about our historic move to DC that we would like to invite you to
become part of its history by joining our new “Washington DC Founding Members Legacy
Circle.” HDA’s DC Legacy Circle members will help HDA raise $100,000 in the next three years
in celebration of our move to DC and HDA’s soon to be 25th anniversary. More news about
how you can contribute to follow.
After a six month national search, the HDA is delighted to introduce Mr. David Penã as
our new Executive Director. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from St.
Edward’s University, Austin, TX. David knows DC and has over 15-years of experience in nonprofit Association Management that includes his work with the American Heart Association
and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. David, HDA Welcome’s you!
Our second biggest accomplishment for 2012 continues to be this summer’s historic
Multicultural Oral Health Summit held in collaboration with the National Dental Association
and the Society of American Indian Dentists. This meeting continues to warm the hearts of
all that attended and those that believe that embracing diversity is the key to learning and
understanding each other’s past, present and future.
For HDA to develop new programs and grow stronger, the first step is to increase our
membership. As members of HDA, it is up to us to help spread the word and explain to others
why it is important to join. The HDA is an inclusive organization. You don’t have to be Hispanic
to be a member you just have to share a common interest in improving oral health for our
community.
Refer a friend to HDA...It doesn’t cost anything to ask! Please read some of our HDA
member testimonials inside this newsletter. Carry an HDA application form with you and hand
it out to others. Help serve your community by spreading the word about your association.
“We must work together to reduce the oral health disparities in our country.”
My year as president has been very busy while organizing and preparing for our new
office transition. As I write these words I am heading out to my final meeting of the year in
New York City where HDA is sponsoring a CE course in collaboration with the Greater New
York Dental Meeting. HDA national leaders will also be meeting with members of the New
York HDA professional and student chapters and New York professional Chapter president
Dr. Amiro Roman.
I would personally like to thank each one of the chapter leaders around the country
that have volunteered many hours of their time to help support the HDA and their dental
community.
In November, I was a guest at the Mexican Dental Association’s 70th Anniversary and
Annual Meeting in Mexico City where HDA connected with oral health leaders from Brasil,
Argentina, Mexico and the US. In October I was invited to speak on the status of Hispanic
Oral Health in the US at the Binational Health Conference held in Oaxaca, Mexico. This
2  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
Continued on page 4
217.529.6517
Message from the
Executive Director
Dear HDA Colleagues
This will be my last column as Executive Director of the
Hispanic Dental Association. During these 3 years we
have grown the HDA thru building the National and
Chapters synergies. Let me begin thanking the focused
guidance from the DentaQuest Foundation and its
financial support to help make strategy succeed. This C. Yolanda Bonta, DMD, MS, MS
vision led to The creation of the Council of Chapters Executive Director, HDA
opening dialogue and sharing among the 9 chapters,
launching Cultural competencies program and a new speaker trainers program, a new
faculty advisors workshop to strengthen the student chapters in 45 dental schools, ,
Presidents Diversity calls stemming from the increased dialogue between HDA, NDA,
SAID and ADA, Two Congressional briefings and increased HDA voice in the dental
legislative agendas, a legislative consultant who has enriched our HDA capacities,
increased presence in dental trade press. Increasing Corporate supporters, who not
only provide visionary insight but the capital investments that enable a non for profit.
Fresh new website, increased e communications, increased presence at regional dental
meetings. Increased scholarships, broadening HDA Foundation actions, more Give Kids
a Smile programs, more Colgate Oral Health Month dental van support, increased
scientific and research presence.
These and many other milestones have been a great source of personal pride. I
send a special thank you to the HDA staff in Springfield. You may have never met them,
but these dedicated team never stopped from delivering a professional support to the
HDA. When I was asked “how many members do you have?”, I answered 50 million! That’s
the number of Hispanics in the US and that response communicates the seriousness of
our mission. Yes. HDA is a small young organization, but has a powerful capacity thru
its commitment to the community. And this success, increased these 3 years, has been
noticed and praised by the dental community at large.
I began my HDA membership 22 years ago as one of 9 founding board members.
Never did we anticipate our current status and I challenge you to mature and grow.
A colleague introduced me recently as a beacon, what a compliment. And indeed
I’ve been your HDA beacon, that’s the role of an Executive Director. I pass you the
beacon.
National Headquarters:
1111 14th Street - NW Suite 1100
Washington DC 20005
hispanicdental@HDAssoc.org
www.HDAssoc.org
C. Yolanda Bonta, HDA Executive Director
Tamiko Kinkade, Newsletter Editor
Bonnie Chandler, Acting Associate Director
HDA News & Reports is published four
times annually by the Hispanic Dental
Association, and distributed to members
and other dental professionals interested in
the oral health of the Hispanic population.
©2012 Hispanic Dental Association
I wish you all success! Hasta la vista!
C. Yolanda Bonta
732-310-5623
Ybonta@aol.com
Did you know that the
HDA website has great
information on Dental
Careers, Education
and Resources as well
as information about
community outreach
opportunities.
Check it out at:
www.hdassoc.org
www.hdassoc.org
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  3
President’s Message
Continued from page 2
important annual meeting which rotates
between the US and Mexico is attended
by top health officials from the US, Canada
as well as many Latin American countries.
The goal is to improve the overall health
of migrant workers and their families that
move back and forth across the Americas
to live and work.
As HDA becomes more recognized
internationally Latin American countries
look up to HDA to help support the oral
health needs of their citizens living in
the U.S. Some countries have shown
an interest in collaboration through
education and research. HDA is also being
recognized locally for its ability to bring
together the diverse community of oral
health professionals from various Hispanic
background’s with one mission in mind
to improve the oral health of the fastest
growing segment of our community.
Throughout my time as president
I have had the privilege to meet many
extraordinary people, . I would like to
thank each of you for the opportunity
and the honor to have collaborated and
learned from all of you. This opportunity
has helped me carry the torch with dignity
and honor for all the past and future
leaders of our beloved association!
I leave behind a trail of legacy paved
by the accomplishments of passionate and
dedicated leaders. The mark’s on the trail I
leave for HDA will include the founding of
San Diego’s HDA professional chapter, the
creation of HDA’s fundraising auction, the
HDA“Women’s Award’s Luncheon”, the“Dia
del Dentista” membership celebration on
February 9th and our historic headquarters
move to Washington DC.
To HDA’s current Board of Trustees,
professional and student chapters leaders,
committee chairs and members thanks’
again for a job well done in a year of
much learning, challenge and growth
...you are the key that continues to open
new doors of hope and prosperity for
HDA. We welcome our incoming board
of Trustees Dr. Ricardo Mendoza from
Chicago, Dr. Zuzanna Mendez from Boston
and Dr. Michael Lopez from San Francisco.
Our incoming student Trustee is Martha
Orozco from Houston Texas.
Continued on page 5
Message from the
Legislative Consultant
Record Number of Latinos Legislators
Head to Capitol Hill
A record number of Latino lawmakers will head to
Washington for the new 113th Congress which commences
in January 2013.
Andrew Kaffes
A total of 31 Latinos will serve in the 113th Congress, three in Legislative Consultant
the U.S. Senate and 28 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Overall, nine Latino members were elected to a first term to the U.S. House of
Representatives. In some cases, a Latino defeated a Latino for a House seat or replaced a
retiring Latino legislator. However, what is encouraging is the overall number of Latinos
seeking public office is increasing.
New Latinos in the U.S. House of Representatives
• Joaquín Castro (D). He will replace Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, the chairman of the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who is retiring, in the 20th Congressional District
of Texas.
• Pete Gallego (D). He will represent the 23rd Congressional District of Texas.
• Filemon Vela, Jr. (D). He will represent the newly-drawn 34th Congressional District
of Texas.
• Joe Garcia (D). He will represent Florida’s 26th Congressional District.
• Raúl Ruiz (D). Ruiz will represent California’s 36th Congressional District.
• Tony Cardenas (D). Cardenas ran unopposed for the seat in California’s 29th
Congressional District.
• Gloria Negrete McLeod (D). She will represent California’s 35th Congressional
District.
• Juan Vargas (D) : Vargas will represent the 51st Congressional District of
California.
• Michelle Lujan Grisham (D). Grisham will be the first Latina to serve New Mexico
in the U.S. House of Representatives. She will represent the 1st Congressional
District.
These nine Latino legislators will join the following Latinos who enjoyed reelection to
the U.S. House:
• Raul Grijalva (D) – Arizona
• John Oceguera (D) – Nevada
• Ed Pastor (D) – Arizona
• Albio Sires (D) – New Jersey
• Grace Flores Napolitano (D) – California • Ben Ray Lujan (D) – New Mexico
• Gloria Negrete McLeod (D) – California
• Jose E. Serrano (D) – New York
• Linda Sánchez (D) – California
• Nydia Velazquez (D) – New York
• Loretta Sánchez (D) – California
• Henry Cuellar (D) – Texas
• Mario Diaz-Balart (R) – Florida
• Bill Flores (R) – Texas
• Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) – Florida
• Ruben Hinojosa (D) – Texas
• Paul Labrador (R) – Idaho
• Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) – Washington
• Rep Luis Gutierrez (D) – Illinois
U.S. Senate
Ted Cruz (R). The Texas Republican will become the third Latino senator, joining New
Jersey’s Bob Menendez and Florida’s Marco Rubio, all of whom are of Cuban-American
descent. He will be the first Latino ever to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.
4  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
217.529.6517
ADA Student Ambassador Program
President’s Message
Continued from page 4
HDA Student trustee Melissa Uriegas, DS4 UTSD Houston, represented HDA at the
ADA Student Ambassador program on October 20, 2012. The 2012 theme for the
Ambassador program was "Increasing Diversity to eliminate Disparities." Ms. Uriegas
participated in many activities and seminars as well as being part of the planning
committee. HDA Past President Dr. Victor Rodriguez spoke to the student
group on "Cultural Awareness Issues and Efforts."
If you would like to volunteer in a leadership
role at HDA please do not hesitate to call
us. We need you.
Congratulations Dr. Maritza Morell for
stepping up in your new role as HDA’s 2013
president!
Last and most important I would like
to thank my family that has supported me
throughout the days away from home and
all the late night conference calls.
May you all enjoy a joyful and safe
holiday season and a very prosperous new
year ! Los tendré en mi corazón siempre!
Un abrazo ... Lilia
Lilia Larin, DDS
2012 HDA President
HDA Student Trustee Melissa Uriegas,
UTSD Houston and Dr. Victor Rodriguez,
HDA Past President
Dr. Victor Rodriguez, HDA Past President
and Joseph Potter, University of Colorado
Dental Student.
Advertise in the HDA
News & Reports
HDA leaders at the 2012 ADA meeting in
San Francisco, California.
www.hdassoc.org
The HDA News & Reports is a quarterly
newsletter provided to our members
and others who share our interest
in improving the oral health of the
Hispanic community. The deadline for
classified and display advertisements in
the Summer Newsletter is August 1st.
For information about display or
classified advertising, contact the HDA
at hispanicdental@hdassoc.org.
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  5
Meet the New HDA Board Trustees
2013 HDA Board of Trustees
President:
Maritza Morell, DDS, MS, MPH
Boston, Massachusetts
President Elect
Tyrone Rodriguez, DDS
Moses Lake, Washington
Treasurer
Vidal Balderas, DDS, MPH
San Antonio, Texas
Immediate Past President
Lilia Larin, DDS
National City, California
Trustees:
Amarillis Jacobo, DDS
New York, NY 10026
Michael Lopez
Mountain View, California
Mildred McClain, PHN, PhD
Las Vegas, Nevada
Zuzana Mendez, DDS
Boston, Massachusetts
Ricardo Mendoza, DDS
Chicago, Illinois
Frank Ramos, DDS
San Antonio, Texas
Esperanza Rodriguez, DDS, PC
Bronx, New York
Adriana Segura, DDS, MS
San Antonio, Texas
Student Trustee
Martha Orozco
Houston, Texas
Executive Director
David Penã
HDA Executive Director/CEO
Washington, DC
Zuzana Mendez is from the Dominican Republic. She got her DDS from the
Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo. After she graduated from Dental
School, she worked as a General Dentist for six years. Also, she worked at
UNIBE (Universidad IBeroAmericana) as a faculty associate in the Restorative
and Public Health Department. Short after she moved to Boston, MA. She got
a General Practice Fellowship and a General Practice Residency from Tufts
University School of Dental Medicine. She did her Residency in Springfield,
MA. From 2005/06 she worked as a General Dentist with a Limited Dental
License at Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg, MA and Gardner Community Health
Center. She got her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2008. Currently, she
is the Dental Director of the Upham’s Corner Health Center in Dorchester, MA. In addition, she is
the President of the MHDA and co-founder of the Symposium in Dental Careers, 2011. She has
been a member of the MHDA since 1994.
Dr. Michael James Lopez graduated from UCSF in 1974. Michael is a member
of the HDA National Faculty Advisor Committee, AAUCSF Executive Board,
UCSF Dental Alumni Association Executive Board, Dean’s Advisory Board and
the Chairman of the Student Relations Committee for the DAA. Dr Lopez’
family came from Mexico during the Revolution, to an island off the coast
of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina. He learned a strong sense of community and
grew up with a respect and appreciation for everyone. He feels the success
of our lives depends on not what we do for ourselves, but on the health and
happiness of the entire group.
In college, Dr Lopez has been a member of UMAS, and a charter member
of MECHA, NCHO, CHE, HADA, before HDA. Dr Lopez has been the Director of two Community
Clinics, where he developed protocols for delivering 3 million dollars of dental service to Medicare
recipients. He also developed a reimbursement formula for providers, to increase productivity
in underserved communities. Dr Lopez brought friend/patient Dennis Reker, Senior VP of Intel,
to the UCSF to update the strategic plan of the School of Dentistry. Mr. Reker’s effort would have
come at great cost had he not donated his time and expertise. Dr Lopez now practices in the
Silicon Valley with his wife Susan, a UCSF SoD Graduate, who is the President of the California
Dental Hygiene Association, as well as a member of the UCSF DAA Executive Board and Dean’s
Advisory Council.
At UCSF, Dr Lopez has developed an ongoing series of Panels, bringing together Students,
Alumni and Faculty to help bridge the gap between education and practice in an informal
setting. He is also committed to out reach into the community to identify, recruit and retain
students who are aware of the needs of the underserved communities and willing to meet those
needs. He has initiated an Educational Opportunity Scholarship of $300,000 to that end. Dr
Lopez insures that HSDA Students are included into all of his UCSF activities.
Dr. Ricardo Y. Mendoza was born in an oil camp in Guarico State in the
countryside of Venezuela. His family moved to Caracas where he completed
high school and then attended dental school at the Universidad Central
de Venezuela. He is particularly proud of his life changing, eight month
internship in the heart of the Amazon jungle where he provided dental
services to native aboriginal people in the area.
After two years of private practice in Caracas he decided to specialize
in Pediatric Dentistry and enrolled in the Residency Program at Boston
University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. While presenting his Master’s
thesis at an AAPD Annual Session in (1995) he networked with fellow
professors and discovered an opportunity to continue his education in a two year Pediatric
Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has served as a Clinical Assistant
Professor at the UIC for the last 13years.
Community dental service has always been a very important component to his professional
career. He has a personal interest in providing dental care to children with special needs. While
in Boston University he became friends with Dr. Steve Perlman, the founder of The Special
6  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
217.529.6517
Meet the New HDA Board Trustees
Olympics Special Smiles Program. Dr. Mendoza has been the co-chair of this
inspiring event in Chicago for the last 14 years.
Today, he is continues contribuing to his patients, his students, his
community and HDA in many areas including the following:
Leadership: He is the current President of the Greater Chicago HDA
Professional Chapter.
Advocacy: Through advocating change of policies that could help the
Community and our profession.
Dental Care: He is the principal Dental Provider of Chicago Smile Specialists
for which we just opened a new office offering pediatric, adult and orthodontic
services with full support staff and five dental professionals.
Teaching: He continues to teach at the University of Illinois at Chicago,
College of Dentistry as well as in the GPR Program at the Advocate Illinois
Masonic Medical Center
Martha Orozco, HDA Student Trustee, University of Texas
Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry.
Beginning in the first few years of my undergraduate
education, I was able to volunteer as a Spanish translator
for a government-owned clinic. There I was exposed to
the field of dentistry. I was able to meet and be mentored
by practicing dentists who ultimately molded my drive to
become like them and serve the community. I was exposed
to the truth about dentistry. I, like most of the community,
believed dentistry consisted of extractions and drilling/filling. They showed
me this was only a misconception. I learned poor oral hygiene has been linked
to endocrine and cardiovascular disorders; however, their incidence can be
decreased by practicing proper dental care. What is even more interesting is
that Hispanics are at higher risk of diabetes than other ethnicities, which may
owe to proper dental hygiene, nutritional habits and/or lack of insurance. While
volunteering, I noticed a significant increase in Hispanic patients’ dental care
participation, which I partially attribute to my ability to communicate necessary
understanding of their dental care importance.
Picking up where I left off with my mentors, I took it upon myself to
continue to educate and serve the Hispanic community. Now as a third year
dental student, I continue to be an active member and the secretary of The
Hispanic Student Dental Association in Houston, TX. Our chapter involvement
has allowed me to make a difference in my local community. I have participated
in multiple health fairs and community outreach programs, where I have been
able to use my education and communication skills to further improve patient
education and provide complementary dental care to the less fortunate. While
other colleagues may view these events as a chore or a CV builder, I view them
as an opportunity to further improve the health of America.
As a native Hispanic, I have experienced how difficult it is to participate
in care when you are not proficient in the language which the knowledge is
being communicated. My struggles allow me to tailor my consultation to
the appropriate education level and tone allowing me to encourage patient
participation in their care. I willingly take initiative to provide and meet my
entire community’s needs while advocating the same to my fellow colleagues.
If elected student trustee for the Hispanic Dental Association, I will have the
opportunity to spread the word about our organization and the great things
we are doing for our community. I will communicate with my colleagues, so,
together we continue to supersede our professional obligation to provide
patient specific care to all of our patients. Dentists already play a pivotal role in
our healthcare system, and I cannot wait to participate in further improvement
in overall patient health.
www.hdassoc.org
David Penã, Jr., HDA Executive Director/CEO
Mr. Penã’s professional accomplishments are
as varied as his career. He has been a candidate for
political office at the age of 23, began his career in
the insurance industry, transitioned to a business
owner, lobbyist, to non-profit executive.
For over sixteen years he has worked for
multiple non-profit organizations in roles such
as; Executive Director for the Valley Alliance of
Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships
(VAMOS), Director of Advocacy (Lobbyist) for the
American Heart Association, Executive Director
for the National Hispanic Business Association
(NHBA), Senior Vice President of Programs for
the Association of Professionals in Finance and
Accounting, (ALPFA), Founder/Consultant for the
DPJ Consulting Group and President of the Greater
Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. During the
past sixteen years he has led multiple organizations
and been recognized for his innovative programs
by the American Society of Association Executives,
the American Heart Association and the National
Society of Hispanic MBA’s.
His civic involvement is as diverse as his work
history. He has served on multiple boards and
committees that include the full spectrum from
cultural, service, business and health organizations
that serve the general public, the Asian, Hispanic
and LGBT communities. He has been a member
of the McAllen, San Antonio and Austin Hispanic
Chambers of Commerce, the Austin Gay & Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Asian
Chamber of Commerce.
He has been interviewed on multiple radio/
television shows and has been quoted in several
articles and publications that include; the award
winning book-Latinos In College, The Wall Street
Journal, FirstJobs.org, Connect Meetings Intelligence
Magazine, Latinos Unidos Blog Talk Radio, Speakers
Access, Que Pasa Ohio State, Total Event Network,
Hispanic Tips, and the Yale Daily News.
David is a 1990 Graduate of St. Edward’s
University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science. After graduating from St. Edward’s
University he was an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow at
the Graduate School of Political Management in
New York City, now part of George Washington
University. He has conducted graduate work at
Northern Arizona University and the University
of Texas Pan American. In addition to his formal
education he received a certificate in Non-Profit
Management and Leadership from the University
of Texas at San Antonio. He is an active member
of the American Society of Association Executives
and has been a Texas Notary Public for over 20
years.
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  7
The Affordable Care Act Helps Latinos
For too long, too many hard working
Americans paid the price for policies that
handed free rein to insurance companies
and put barriers between patients and their
doctors. The Affordable Care Act gives hardworking families the security they deserve.
The new health care law forces insurance
companies to play by the rules, prohibiting
them from dropping your coverage if
you get sick, billing you into bankruptcy
because of an annual or lifetime limit, or,
soon, discriminating against anyone with
a pre-existing condition. And it includes
substantial new benefits for Latinos and all
Americans across the country.
Historically, Latinos have faced
significant barriers to accessing affordable
health insurance and these barriers
have contributed to significant health
disparities:
• 32 percent of Latinos were uninsured in
2009 – higher than any other racial or
ethnic group – and half of Latinos did
not have a regular doctor, compared
with only one-fifth of white Americans.
• Twenty percent of low-income Latino
youth have gone a year without a health
care visit – a rate three times higher
than that for high-income whites
• Latinos were diagnosed with AIDS at
three times the rate of whites.
• In 2006, almost half of Latinos reported
they did not always get care when they
needed it, compared with 43 percent
of blacks and 41 percent of white
Americans.
Under the new health care law, Americans
will have the security of knowing that they
don’t have to worry about losing coverage
if they’re laid off or change jobs. And
insurance companies now have to cover
your preventive care like mammograms
and other cancer screenings. The new
law also makes a significant investment
in State and community-based efforts
that promote public health, prevent
disease and protect against public health
emergencies.
Health reform is already making a
difference by:
Creating New Coverage Options for
Latinos with Pre-existing Conditions
Under the new law, insurance companies
are already banned from denying coverage
to children because of a pre-existing
condition such as asthma. In 2014, they
are banned from discriminating against
anyone with a pre-existing condition such
as cancer or having been pregnant. The
new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
in every State offers an option to people
who have been locked out of the insurance
market because of a pre-existing condition
like cancer or heart disease. Already, 50,000
Americans who were uninsured due to
a pre-existing condition have accessed
affordable coverage through the PreExisting Condition Insurance Plan.
Covering Preventive Services with No
Deductible or Co-pay
Under the new health care law, all
Americans joining a new health care plan
must be able to receive recommended
preventive services, such as mammograms
or vaccinations for your child, with no
out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or
deductibles. Already, 6.1 million Latinos
now have coverage for preventive services
without additional cost sharing.
Removing Limits on Health Benefits
The law bans insurance companies from
imposing lifetime dollar limits on health
benefits – freeing cancer patients and
individuals suffering from other chronic
diseases from having to worry about
going without treatment because of their
lifetime limits. Already, approximately 11.8
million Latinos are free from worrying
about lifetime limits on coverage thanks to
the new health care law. The new law also
restricts the use of annual limits and bans
them completely in 2014.
Scrutinizing Unreasonable Premium
Increases
In every State and for the first time ever,
insurance companies are required to
publicly justify their actions if they want
to raise rates by 10 percent or more. And
an increasing number of States have more
power to block unreasonable premium
increases from taking effect.
Providing New Coverage for Young
Latinos
Insurance companies are now required
to allow parents to keep their children up
to age 26 on their insurance plans. This
means that over 2.5 million young adults
have gained coverage because of the new
health care law, including 736,000 Latinos.
Protecting Patients’ Choice of Doctor
Under the new health care law, Latinos
8  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
joining new insurance plans have the
freedom to choose from any primary care
provider and OB-GYN in their health plan’s
network, without a referral.
Decreasing Costs and Increasing
Coverage to Millions of Latinos
Affordable Insurance Exchanges are onestop marketplaces where consumers can
choose a private health insurance plan that
fits their health needs. Starting in 2014,
they will offer to the public the same kinds
of insurance choices members of Congress
will have. The new law also provides middle
class tax credits to families to help pay for
private health insurance. And it expands
the Medicaid program to families of four
with incomes of up to $29,000. And Puerto
Rico will receive $900 million dollars to
expand coverage to their residents. In
addition, new Exchanges, tax credits and
Medicaid expansion will result in as many
as 9 million Latinos becoming eligible to
get health coverage.
Decreasing Costs for Latinos on
Medicare
Under the new law, seniors can receive
recommended preventive services such as
flu shots, diabetes screenings, as well as a
new Annual Wellness Visit, free of charge.
So far, more than 32.5 million seniors
have already received one or more free
preventive services, including the new
Annual Wellness Visit. That includes more
than 500,000 Latinos with Medicare. The
new law also provides relief for people in
the Medicare prescription drug coverage
gap or donut hole – the ones with the
highest prescription drug costs. As a first
step, in 2010, nearly four million people in
the donut hole received a $250 check to
help with their costs. In 2011, 3.6 million
people with Medicare received a 50 percent
discount worth a total of $2.1 billion, or an
average of $604 per person, on their brand
name prescription drugs when they hit
the donut hole. Seniors will see additional
savings on covered brand-name and
generic drugs while in the coverage gap
until the gap is closed in 2020.
Providing Tax Credits for Small
Businesses
Tax credits for small businesses included
in the Affordable Care Act will benefit an
Continued on page 9
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National Hispanic Health Foundation Gala
in Los Angeles, CA
The National Hispanic Health Foundation held its annual Awards Gala at the Marriott
LA LIVE in Los Angeles California on November 8, 2012.
Dr. Elena Rios NHMA CEO with
National Hispanic Medical
Association and National Hispanic
Health Foundation board members
at the NHHF Awards Gala.
www.hdassoc.org
estimated two million workers who get
their insurance from an estimated 360,000
small employers who will receive the credit
in 2011. In 2014, small business owners
will get more relief with tax credits and
affordable insurance choices in the new
Affordable Insurance Exchanges in every
State. For the first time, they will have
a marketplace where they can see and
compare their health plan options in one
place, and insurers will have to actively
compete for their business.
Increasing Access to Community Health
Centers
Approximately 35 percent of patients
served by the over community health
centers in 2009 were Latino, and the
Affordable Care Act increases the
funding available to the more than 1,100
community health centers in all fifty states
to enable them to double the number of
patients they served from 19 million to
nearly 40 million by 2015. Health centers
have received funding to create new health
center sites in medically underserved
areas, to expand preventive and primary
health care services, and to support major
construction and renovation projects.
UCSF Medical Scholarship
Recipients with Lilly Padilla
the NHMA Dental Scholarship
Recipient ( second from left )
Dr. Lilia Larin with Hispanic Celebrity “ Chef
LaLa” Mistress of Ceremony for the NHHF
Gala and Scholarship Awards Dinner.
Affordable Care Act
Continued from page 8
Reducing the Health Care Workforce
Shortage for Latino Community
The new health care law includes new
resources that will boost the number of
doctors, nurses and health care providers
in communities where they are needed
most, as well as diversified the workforce,
so racial and ethnic minorities are better
represented.
Lilia Larin HDA President and Ligia Padilla
NHHF Dental Scholarship Recipient. Ligia
is a member of the HDA UCSF Student
Chapter.
Reducing Health Disparities
The new health care law invests in increase
data collection and research about health
disparities, as well as initiatives to increase
the racial and ethnic diversity of health
care professionals and strengthen cultural
competency training among health care
providers. It also elevates the National
Center on Minority Health and Health
Disparities at the National Institutes of
Health from a Center to a full Institute,
reflecting an enhanced focus on minority
health. In fact, in 2011, HHS released our
first-ever, department-wide Action Plan to
Reduce Health Disparities, and has begun
the process of upgrading data collection
standards to better understand and
ultimately eliminate health disparities.
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  9
Mexican Dental Association
Celebrates 70th Anniversary
HDA President Lilia Larin attended the “Mexican Dental Association’s” ADM Annual
Meeting and 70th Anniversary Celebration in Mexico City November 15-18 at the
World Trade Center Building . The Annual Meetings dental trade show was attended
by over 20,000 dental practitioners and was hosted by Agrupacion Mexicana de la
Industria y Comercio Dental “AMIC.”
Dr. Cecilia Melchor ADM President Speaks
at Opening Ceremony
ADM’s 70 the Anniversary Gala Celebration left to right Dr. Elinora Mendez ADM Past
President; Dr. Marilu Galvan President of “FEMFEO” Federación Mexicana de Facultades
y Escuelas de Odontología . (Mexican Federation of Dental Schools and Faculty’s); Dr.
Lilia Larin HDA President; Dr. Sofia Espinoza Professor of Prosthodontics Universidad
Intercontinental Mexico City.
Dr. Lilia Larin and Dr. Gaby Carrasco from
Mexico City share a photo with “Adopta
una Sonrisa “ Foundation Mascot.
ADM and AMIC Leadership at Opening Ceremony, ADM Opening Ceremony with Mexican Folkloric Dancers
10  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
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HDA at the Greater New York 88th
Annual Dental Meeting
The HDA collaborated with the Greater New York 88th Annual Dental
Meeting by presenting a lecture on “New Applications and Techniques for
Hard Tissue Laser use in Dentistry.” This lecture was presented in Spanish
on Monday morning November 26, by Dr. Juan C. Loza Diplomate of the
American Board of Prosthodontics to a full house of international attendees
that were eager to learn more about the benefits of becoming an HDA
member.
On Tuesday evening, the HDA hosted a dinner meeting for the New York
HDA professional and HDA student chapter leadership. Many thanks to Dr.
Amiro Roman New York HDA Chapter President for organizing the event at
the Guantanamera Cuban Restaurant in New York City!
HDA also participated at the Henry Schein Dental sponsored
“Multicultural Oral Health Reception” on Tuesday November 27.
Dr. Maritza Morell HDA President-Elect, Dr. Ivan Lugo
HDA Past President, dr. Lilia Larin HDA President
and Dr. Tyrone Rodriguez HDA Vice -President at the
GNYDM exhibit hall
Puerto Rico Dental Association
and HDA Leadership
HDA leadership visit the National
Association Booth at the GNYDM . NDA ED
Mr. Bob Johns and Dr. Hazel Harper with
HDA leadership.
HDA Board of Trustees with New York Chapter Leadership
Dr. Juan Loza HDA Speaker
HDA New York Professional and Student Chapter Leadership.
www.hdassoc.org
Tyrone Rodriguez HDA Vice-President and
Lady Liberty.
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  11
The Future Looks Bright
By Joeseph Mathew Potter
At first there was Hope for Change,
but now we must continue to progress
Forward. If there is anything that we can
learn from the United States of America’s
44th Presidential Election, it is that we
must work together to make the changes
necessary to create a better tomorrow.
Without collaboration, we will have
less allocated resources, less sharing of
ideas and less opportunities to build the
substantial relationships required to truly
make a difference in the lives of those
that we champion for. The Hispanic
Dental Association continues to make
such strides as it maintains its efforts in
eliminating oral health disparities in the
Hispanic community. With the official
announcement from the Hispanic Dental
Association in moving its main offices to
Washington D.C., we will now be closer
than ever to influence the balance of
equality in improving access to oral health
care for our underserved patients and
increasing the educational opportunities
for our underrepresented students in the
dental profession.
With their increasingly successful
lobbying efforts on Capital Hill and
their continued unwavering support
of its student members, the Hispanic
Dental Association is combating these
issues on both fronts. In continuing
with their thriving collaborations with
the National Dental Association, the
Society of American Indian Dentists and
the American Dental Association during
the first ever Multicultural Oral Health
Summit this summer, the Hispanic Dental
Association was center stage during
the 2012 American Dental Association
Annual Session in San Francisco this past
October. The HDA’s strong presence
could not be ignored, as many prominent
members were front and center during
the conference, including Dr. Sarita
Arteaga, who gave an ADA Annual
Session course about Hispanic Culture
Awareness and Dr. Victor Rodriguez, a
guest speaker during the 8th Annual ADA
Student Ambassador Program, who gave
a lecture about Cultural Competency
Issues and Efforts.
The 2012 ADA Student Ambassador
Program, whose main focus is increasing
diversity through collaboration, was
a huge success this year with many of
the attendees being members of the
Hispanic Student Dental Association, the
Student National Dental Association and
the Society of American Indian Dentists.
One of this year’s regional award winners,
SNDA member Malcom Davis from the
University of Detroit Mercy, described the
program as, “great, just as much time in
meetings as needed as we were there for
business, but we got to have a little fun as
well.” Mrs. Beverly Skoog, the ADA Career
Guidance Program’s Liaison, who over
saw this year’s program, sent a message
to the Student Ambassadors in saying
that, “I’m sure you’ll go far as you are
willing to help out when there’s a need
and I’m sure that translates to the kind of
dentists you will be as well.” Indeed it is
important to understand the inequity of
Hispanic dental professionals nationwide
when compared to the percentage of
Americans who identify themselves with
the same designation.
The rate of population growth of
Hispanic Americans is exponentially
greater than that of Hispanic students
graduating from dental schools. The
need that Mrs. Skoog mentions is the
need to increase this percentage so that
it matches what is found in the general
population. Mark Williams, who is a
returning Ambassador to the program,
explained that, “When listening to Dr.
Rodriguez, I realized that dentistry is
a microcosm of society. The patient
population and the ethnicities of the care
givers all mirror the world that we live
in. Even though the number of minority
dentists is rising, the number of minority
dentist is still not comparable with the
increasing number of minority citizens. It
is our duty as dentists and as minorities
to continue to do our best to treat underrepresented minority patients, while
going above the call of duty to recruit
more minorities into the dental and
health care fields.” With programs such as
this, more and more dental students are
being educated about this concept and
as they graduate and enter the dental
profession it is evident this message
hasn’t fell on deaf ears.
Third year dental student, and HSDA
ASDOH Chapter Vice President, Amanda
Serrano, who along with Williams were
Student Ambassadors for the Arizona
School of Dentistry and Oral Health, says,
“I was honored to be chosen to represent
12  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
ASDOH at the Student Ambassador
Program.” When asked why it is important
for collaborative programs such as this to
be available to dental students, Serrano
replied, “I am very adamant about
creating a sustainable program at ASDOH
which increases diversity, therefore I am
very grateful for the opportunity to learn
about existing programs and share ideas
with other student leaders.” In today’s
landscape there are an abundance of
opportunities where students are able
to collaborate on a national level to
promote initiatives aimed at increasing
diversity into the profession, something
that was not so common even a mere
decade ago.
Throughout the nation, many dental
schools and their respective chapters of
the Hispanic Student Dental Association,
the Student National Dental Association
and the Society of American Indian
Dentists, are creating or are helping to
implement programs for traditionally
underrepresented
students
aimed
at increasing awareness of career
opportunities in the field of dentistry and
other health professions. By exposing
students to dentistry at a younger
age, when they are in middle and high
school, these programs are encouraging
students to get good grades and high test
scores so they can be more competitive
applicants for college admissions.
However, the journey does not stop
there and many universities offer prehealth programs that provide admission
test preparation courses, summer
internships and mentoring programs for
traditionally underrepresented students.
Serrano plans to take back the things
she learned at the Ambassador Program
and collaborate with other programs on
campus to implement a pipeline program
at her school. She says, “I learned that
we (the student leaders) can make a
huge difference in minority recruitment.
We have the power to change the way
young minds think and influence them to
reach their highest potential. I was truly
inspired by the hard work and passion of
my fellow ambassadors.”
When asked about the importance
of information discovered during the
Student Ambassador program, Williams
further elaborates on what he learned
by saying, “As student ambassadors, we
217.529.6517
Student Ambassadors
greatly benefited from Dr. Rodriguez’s
discussion on cultural awareness,
specifically in the Hispanic culture. We
learned that dentistry is much more
than hand skills and a mind for problem
solving and business, but dentistry is
truly about specializing your treatment
for each individual patient, and this
includes cultural competency.” In today’s
landscape, most schools teach students
to treat every patient “universally” and
often times cultural nuances are often
over looked, which can greatly affect
the patient-provider relationship if not
properly handled. Williams explains
one method of this concept that the
Ambassadors learned as “the ideas of
Research/Educate/and Plan.” He states
that, “with these three weapons in your
arsenal of awareness, not only yourself,
but everyone around you can learn to
be more culturally sensitive and better
clinicians.” By being better educated
about your patients unique cultural
backgrounds and how that affects their
www.hdassoc.org
ability to not only understand oral health
care concepts but, often times, more
importantly, their ability to accept it, goes
a long way in providing the best care
possible. As the Student Ambassador
Program changes hands from the ADA
to ADEA, know that continuing programs
like this will play a huge role in educating
our future oral health care leaders and,
some day, hopefully they will eliminate
the need for the term “underrepresented
minority” in our profession.
Perhaps the most exciting event of
the 2012 American Dental
Association Annual Session
was the HDA/HSDA Meet and
Greet Dinner. After meeting
in Boca Raton during the
Multicultural Oral Health
Summit, second year dental
student Vanessa Antolinez
from the University California
at San Francisco and third
Continued on page 14
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  13
The Future Looks Bright
Continued from page 13
year dental student Joey Potter from
the University of Colorado, wanted to
ensure that the students keep in contact
with each other throughout the year and
wanted to make sure other students had
the chance to meet with and network
with other members from across the
country. With the generous support of
the HDA Board of Trustees, numerous
HSDA members across the country, who
were in San Francisco for the ADA Annual
Session, were invited to a family style
dinner at Buca Di Peppo’s hosted by the
UCSF HSDA Chapter and the HDA Board.
Many Trustees were in attendance at the
dinner including Dr. Lilia Larin, Dr. Maritza
Morrell, Dr. Tyrone Rodriguez, Mrs. Margo
Melchor and Student Trustee Melissa
Uriegas. The Board members were all
available to share their experiences in
the HDA and HSDA with students from
all over the country including Boston
University, the University of Houston,
UC-San Francisco and the University of
Colorado. The Meet and Greet Dinner was
huge success and with strong student
mentorship from the leadership of the
HDA, the future of our organization and
our profession is in good hands.
However, it is important to remember
that change and progress are not always
linear movements; there are many ups and
downs along the way. We must continue
to work hard and stay committed to the
things that we have dedicated our lives
to. The sacrifices made by the generations
that came before us and the inequalities
that they suffered through must not
be lost on the advancements that we
are creating today. More importantly,
we need to make certain to continue to
work together to promote diversity and
inclusiveness into our profession so that
future generations of students will have
increased educational pathways into
the field of dentistry and our patients
will have improved access to health
care. By continuing to support student
participation in events such as the ADA
Student Ambassadors Program, as well as
through active Association membership
throughout year, your continued support
of the Hispanic Dental Association
will help in our mission of eliminating
oral health disparities in the Hispanic
community.
Paula Vogel as the recipient of the 2012
Women's SEAL Leadership Award
presented at the Multi-Cultural Oral Health
Summit in Boca Raton, Florida
Paula G. Vogel joined A-dec in 1989 with international project management,
accounting and product management experience in such diverse industries as food
processing, heavy equipment manufacturing and retail operations. During her tenure
at A-dec, she has headed the publications and technical training departments and led
product launches. She represents A-dec on industry advisory boards such as Journal
of the American Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association and National Dental
Association.
Often drawing on other A-dec talent, Paula blends her management training with
her years in the dental industry to assist leadership teams, especially volunteer dental
association board-members, to maximize their strategic planning abilities. Recently,
her interest has expanded to facilitating dental student leadership programs where
the audience plays a crucial and active role in achieving learning objectives.
The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) has been especially receptive, calling on
Paula to provide student leadership programs in the HDA annual meeting in 2011 and
then to the super-student session at the Multi-cultural Oral Health Summit in July of
2012. Paula also participates as the industry board member of the Hispanic Dental
Association Foundation (HDAF). This new philanthropic adjunct to the HDA awards
student scholarships and is working to expand its mission and impact.
Paula studied at the United Nations in New York City, through the University of
Wisconsin, and at Stanford University’s Graduate School in its Business Marketing
Management Program. Paula holds a Bachelor of Arts- Special Studies degree in
International Relations from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Masters in
International Management degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management,
Glendale, Arizona.
14  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
Ms. Paula Vogel - Award for Service and Education (far left)
Paula Vogel Corporate communications and professional relations
manager for A-dec, Inc.
217.529.6517
ADA Give Kids A Smile and Presidential Gala
Through the generous support of HDA Past President
Dr. Ernie Garcia and wife Cecilia HDA UCSF student chapter
members were able to attend the combined ADA Give Kids
A Smile and Presidential Gala on October 22 this year in San
Francisco at the Marriott Marquis. In 2012, it is estimated that
40,000 volunteer dentists and their team members will treat
more than 400,000 children at nearly 1,600 treatment sites
nationwide through the GKAS program . GKAS unites the oral
health community, combining the efforts of dentists, dental
hygienists, dental assistants and technicians, community
volunteers, corporate leaders and corporate sponsors in
educating the public about the need for preventive oral health
care in children.
Thank you Dr. Garcia !
Vanessa Antolinez (D2), Maximillion Jensen ( D2), Amy Phorth (D2),
Cecilia Garcia (Dr. Garcias wife), Dr. Ernie Garcia,
Ligia Padilla (D2), Zarah Ahmed ( D2) and Ricardo Flores ( D3).
UCSF HDA Student Chapter members meet with HDA Leadership in San Francisco during the ADA meeting.
www.hdassoc.org
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  15
Welcome to these
New HDA Professional
Members
Karen Aguilera, BS, Houston, TX
Delia R Alvarado, RDH, Berwyn, IL
Mark David Anderson, DDS, New Orleans, LA
Donna A Booth, AS, Andover, MA
Gladys Carrasco, DDS, Boston, MA
Nereyda Clark, DMD, Gainesville, FL
Penelope Cornelio, DH, Andover, MA
Christina Cunningham, CDA, Andover, MA
Luisa F Echeto, DDS, MS, Gainesville, FL
Ernesto Escobar, DDS, Houston, TX
Martha L Forero, DDS, MS, RDH, Andover, MA
Esteban Garza, DDS, Dallas, TX
Alessandro Geminiani, DDS, MS, Houston, TX
Angela Gonzalez, DDS, Webster, TX
Jaime Gutierrez, DDS, Brookfield, CT
Karen Hamel, CDA, Andover, MA
Laura Huertas, RDH, Katy, TX
william Karpa, DDS, Potomac, MD
Ana Keohane, DDS, Boston, MA
Elizabeth C Lense, DDS, MSHA, Gainesville, FL
Kristin Letourneau, RDH, Andover, MA
Lopez Mendez, DDS, Orlando, FL
Kenia Martinez, DDS, Fort Lee, NJ
Ernest Miller, DDS, San Antonio, TX
Kimberly Mosher, CDA, Andover, MA
Richard Mowry, DMD, Chula Vista, CA
Leonor Ordaz, DDS, Port Chester, NY
Maria Orellana, MScDPH, San Francisco, CA
Gabriel Ponce, DDS, Detroit, MI
Deborah Quiaz, CDA, Andover, MA
Erin E Roberts, DH, Andover, MA
Maria p. rodriguez, DDS, Ny, NY
Cesar Rotter, DDS, San Antonio, TX
Melina Ruiz-Alvarez, CDA, DDS, Dallas, TX
Mariana I Ruiz-Posada, MA, Houston, TX
Linda Ryan, BS, MA, Andover, MA
Debra M Ryken, BS, DMD, MA, El Cajon, CA
Pilar Valderrama, DDS, MS, Dallas, TX
Martin F Vasquez, BA, San Antonio, TX
Rebeca Weisleder, DDS, Houston, TX
Luis C. Yepes, DDS, San Antonio, TX
Quyeo Ying, DMD, Andover, MA
Why are you a member of the HDA?
Why are you a member of HDA?
My interest in joining the Hispanic Dental Association comes
from many perspectives. I believe in the mission and goal of HDA
in reducing the oral health disparities in the Hispanic community.
I have always had an interest to serve my Hispanic community
and to be a role model for other Hispanic dental professionals.
HDA is not only important to the Hispanic community but also
to the dental Hispanic community in increasing opportunities
for leadership and service. HDA is a close family of dental
professionals working to advance the association forward and Dr. Victor Rodriguez,
meet the demands of an increasing population.
HDA Past President
How long have you been a member of HDA?
I started membership with HDA as a student member in 1994 and became a professional
member afterwards. Together as a student and active professional member I have enjoyed
membership for around 18 years.
Why would your recommend HDA to another dental professional?
I would recommend to other dental professionals membership in HDA because it is an
organization that really understands its mission and goals to help improve the Hispanic
community. HDA is a very unique dental association in that membership is open to all
dental professionals who may or may not be Hispanic. Although many Hispanics share
language, culture, and experiences that are unique to the Hispanic community, Hispanics
also realize that they cannot do it all alone and must work with all people to help improve
the oral health disparities prevalent in our Hispanic community. Join and support HDA
today!
Why are you a member of HDA?
I first joined HDA as a student member in 2003 and
have stayed an active member ever since. HDA has been a
great opportunity for leadership development, volunteer
services, and networking. I have made quality friendships
across the country with HDA members I have met over
the past 9 years. I encourage students, new graduates,
and experienced dental professionals to join HDA and
experience the unique comradery for themselves."
Dr. Christina R. Gonzales
Pediatric Dentist
What is HDA for me?
H: history, I’ve been an active member since 2000, from
dental school, through residency, as a new grad and as
a board member.
D: diversity, I appreciate the fact that all types of oral health
professionals can join. Oral health can only be impacted
by a team approach.
A: altruism, our association is about making a difference
for our community. Everyone is welcome to make an
impact so I urge you to keep supporting our mission!
16  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
Dr. Tyrone Rodriguez
Vice-President HDA
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Why are you a member of the HDA?
Welcome to these
New HDA Student
Members
Why are you a member of HDA?
To support Hispanic Entrepreneur Leaders, so they
can make a difference in helping the communities and
future Dental students.
How long have you been a member of HDA?
10 years
Why would you recommend HDA to another
dental professional?
I think I want to pass along the opportunities
Dr. Glenda Urias
to make a difference in this country; it takes a TEAM
to accomplish Goals. We have the opportunity to educate our communities on
Prevention, and not only in early detection. Guide them to dental offices where they
will be treated with respect. Our PAISANOS deserve the same quality of service as
any other American.
Why are you a member of HDA?
I believe that as a Hispanic American we have very
important and unique situations that face the Hispanic
community in the United States. I strongly consider
organizations such as the HDA having a pivotal role in
representing the Hispanic community, making our voices
heard, and making sure our needs (which I believe are
still far different from those of other of other groups or
ethinicities) are met. The HDA is a perfect example of how
through organization and coordination, we can achieve
Iven Gonzalez, DDS much more together than by ourselves. The HDA advocates
for improved oral health for the Hispanic Community, but I believe the HDA can have
far greater impacts all on levels. From more opportunities for education to higher
paying jobs, we can serve as a model for other organizations who advocate in these
other areas of life, forming alliances that will ensure the prosperity of Hispanic and
other communities.
How long have you been a member of HDA?
I have been part of the HDA for 6 years now, since my start in dental school. I
was absent for a while my first few years after my graduation, working and trying
to find my way in the world. However, I feel I am ready to once more become an
active member and re-integrate with such a great group of selfless and dedicated
individuals that is the HDA.
Why are you a member of HDA?
I am a member because I believe in the mission
of the association and like to be connected with my
community.
How long have you been a member of HDA?
I have been an active member since 4 years ago.
Also I belonged for a year when the HDA was launched
21 years ago and Dr. Francisco Rivera Hidalgo invited
me to be a member.
Why would your recommend HDA to another
Dr. Edith Cortes-Rosene
dental professional?
I would recommend to any young or well President North Texas
HDA Chapter
established dentist to belong to the group to get to
know the Hispanic Community needs and to help each other as professionals. It
is very important to be aware of the community needs and to help the children
educating parents and continue to prevent the spread of oral diseases.
www.hdassoc.org
Omar Abuzaineh
Yonatan Ahdut
Zarah Ahmed
Jiro Akpobome
Jesse Aldana
Shamsha Ali
Erika Alvarez
Jennifer Amakwe
Amol Amin
Keon Anderson
Jordan Antonisse
Bushra Aouthmany
Brenda Appiah
Mariana Aranguren
Carlos Arauz
Camilo Arguello
Andy Arismendi III
Assal Aslani
Erin Aying
Alexandria Balich
Katie Beggs
Ali Beydoun
Todd Billington
Emily Boothby
Megan Butler
Aaron Bynum
Patricia Campillo
Kim Cao
Jeremy Capetillo
Alfa-Hadassa Capetillo
Destinie Carroll
Anne C. Castera
Craig Cedermark
Gregory Chaffin
Evan Chang
Ailin Chao
Natalie Chapman
Ken Cheng
Monica Cordova
Carolyn Cronin
Scott Czarnik
Neema Dad
Maria Dao
Mary Darghali
Francisco Darquea
Martha De La Penã
Colby Dimond
Angela DiPastina
Diana Do
Mary Dostie
Parminder Dulay
Alexander Einbinder
Rodney Elmore
Molly Ericson
Ruben Femat
Kelly Fitzgerald
Ricardo Flores
Lindsay Fox
Yamila Garber
claudia garcia
Janette Garcia
Tracey German
William Gordon
Kassandra Gorena
Jordan Gray
Christopher Greenwaldt
Meera Grewal
Himank Gupta
Monika Hall
Ryan Harrington
Sheree Hasson
Casey Haught
Matthew He
Elizabeth Heath
Brianda Hernandez
Fred Hernandez
Christopher Herrera
Carline Hertz
Haley Hoffman
Albert Hong
Philip Hurst
Trang Huynh
Cale Jackson
Benjamin James
Alisha James
Blesson John
Ivette Jorge
Rishika Kapoor
Mary Jo Kasenchak
Katelyn Kennedy
Khadija Khan
Sara Kieschnick
Douglas Kim
Kayla Klingensmith
Awara Kokoiy
Taylor Koren
Cynthia Kwon
Angelica Lagunas
Lesley Latham
Vicente Lau
Tom Lawler
Renee Lawton
ricardo Lemus
Anne Lindley
Christopher Low
Brooke Lowe
Michael Lukavsky
Andy Luo
maryam mahdavi
Reema Mahdawi
Sara Mahmood
Alex Maldonado
Michael Manzanares
Ashley Marcks
Lauren Marzouca
Kirmal Masih
Mitch McKnight
Enrique Melgoza
Rishad Merchant
Adriana Meza
Clint Miller
Seyed Miri
Rafa Mobarak
Geovanna Molina
Esteban Morales
Kristin Motschall
Irina Nenova
Alissara Nimsuwan
efren ormaza
Elianne Ortiz
Sheila Othman
Andrew Palermo
Seon Ha Park
Victor Parra
Jesse parsons
Meggin Passey
Ankita Patel
Sid Peavy
Karla Perez
Liset Perez
Tyson Peterson
Jeffrey Polzin
Melanie Pommer
Alexandra Prats
Anya Preece
Ines Quintanilla
Charlene Ramos
Stacey Reiss
Diana Revilla
Rosemary Ribera
Luke Riley
Jonathan Risner
Maria Rivera
Courtney Robinson
James Roblee
Andrew Rockafellow
Vinicius Rodrigues
Angel Rodriguez
Riffat Saghir
Shradhdha Sahani
Joachim Samano
Ami Sanchez
Sharlenne Sanchez
Emily Schadt
Jessica Schwarz
Gregory Serrano
Amanda Severn
Sarah Severson
Anjalee Shah
julianna shamoon
Brandon Shoukri
Sonia Silva
Leslie Slowikowski
Samantha Smith
Sam Smith
Steven Solis
Young Son
Eduardo Sonnenschein
Stefania Spilotro
Audrey Su
Lauren Taliaferro
James Tejada II
Ramesh Thondapu
Terrall Thurman
Pedro Torres
Alexander Toth
Patrick Tran
Hieu Truong
Tiffany Tsui
Charlene Uy
Carlos Valenzuela
Stephen Vaughan
Leticia Villarreal
Anthony Villarreal
Clayton Warder
DeAngelo Webster
Ariel Westervelt
My Yang
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  17
HDA Members in the News
XII BiNational Health Week
Xochitl Castaneda Chair of the Binational
Health Week with headquarters at UC
Berkeley working in collaboration with the
Health Initiatives of the Americas: Lilia
Larin HDA President and Lilliana Osorio
San Diego Border Region Manager /
Health Initiatives of the Americas.
The XII annual Binational Health Week (BHW) took place from October 1-15,
2012 in the United States and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of underserved
Latinos, thanks to the efforts and collaborations of thousands of organizations
including consulates, community clinics, universities, faith organizations, communitybased organizations, and much more.
HDA President Dr. Lilia Larin was invited to speak on the Status of Oral Health
of the Hispanic population living in the U.S. on the Chronic Disease Panel of the official
BHW inaugural event and the Binational Policy Forum on Migration and Global Health
that took place in Oaxaca, México, on October 1 and 2.
BHW is the largest mobilization effort in the Americas to improve the health
and well-being of underserved Latinos living in the United States and Canada. Every
year, during the month of October, federal and state government agencies, communitybased organizations and thousands of volunteers come together to conduct a monthlong series of health promotion and health education activities that include workshops,
insurance referrals, vaccinations and medical screenings.
BHW main partners include the Mexico Secretariats of Health and Foreign
Affairs, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia,
Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, as well as the Health Initiative of the Americas, a University
of California Berkeley, School of Public Health program.
BHW fosters community solidarity by bringing together existing resources
and thousands of volunteers working together toward a common goal. Community
and government agencies from the U.S., Mexico and other Latin American countries
collaboratively coordinate many events with the purpose of reaching out to the
most disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals, especially those without medical
coverage.
HDA Cultural
Awareness Program
Dr. Sarita Arteaga, HDA Past President,
presented the HDA Cultural Awareness
course, “Hispanic Cultural Awareness
for Oral Health Professionals” at the
National Oral Health Conference.
If you or someone you know is
interested in this program
and how it can be offered
to organizations, colleagues,
staff, etc., please contact the
National HDA office
at 800-852-7921. Alejandro Sanz Governor of Oaxaca speaks at Opening Ceremony
18  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
217.529.6517
HDA Members in the News
HDA Members Inducted into the ACD
HDA Members Dr. Martiza Morrell, Dr. Jorge Alvarez and Dr. Tyrone
Rodriguez who were inducted to the American College of Dentists
(ACD) on October 18, 2012. The American College of Dentists (ACD)
was founded in 1920 and is the oldest major honorary organization
for dentists. Its members have exemplified excellence through
outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry
and society. ACD goals are to elevate the standards of dentistry, to
encourage graduate study, and to grant Fellowship to those who have
done meritorious work.
HDA Member Inducted into the ICD
HDA Past President Dr. Victor Rodriguez was inducted into the International College of Dentists
(ICD) USA section induction Ceremony on October 19, 2012 in San Francisco, CA. ICD is an honorary
organiztion that recognizes dentists for outstanding and meritorious service to the profession and
community. ICD has chapters in over 80 countries and over 11,000 members, including about 6,500
in the United States.
HDA Member Receives Fellowship
Dr. Carlos Caballero a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota Orthodontic postgraduate
program, has been selected as the first ever Craniofacial, Surgical and Special Care Orthodontics
Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University.
The fellowship is the first school based program of its kind in the US.
Carlos Caballero, DDS, CAGS, MS is Orthodontic Surgical and Craniofacial Fellow, Rainbow Babies
& Children’s Hospital - Case Western Reserve University.
For additional on the program visit: http://dental.case.edu/orthodontics/craniofacial.
HDA Presents Program at
Greater NY Dental Meeting
Aidee Nieto-Herman Associate Clinical Professor Dept. of Periodontology
gave a lecture at the 88 Annual Greater NY Dental Meeting. She was invited by
the New York Hispanic Dental Association Professional Chapter of HDA. The topic
was “Multicultural Crisis in Oral in America - the role and need of more Mentors
and Leaders in the Dental Field.”
At the December Meeting of the Better Oral Health for Massachusetts
Coalicion [BOHMAC], Dr. Herman received the “excellence in Community Oral
Health Award” this award recognizes individuals and/or community organizations
working on a grassroots level to improve, promote and protect oral health for
residents of the Commonwealth on a community or population level.
www.hdassoc.org
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  19
HDA Professional Chapter News
Binational Chapter of the HDA
The Hispanic Dental Association Binational Chapter partnered with the
“Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas” of Tijuana, Baja California Mexico on
October 7-10 to celebrate the Colegio’s 50th Anniversary and Annual
Meeting in the beautiful Sea of Cortez port of Puerto Penãsco Sonora,
Mexico . The SD HDA Chapter collaborated by sponsoring a lecture on
“Updates on Antimicrobial Treatment for Periodontal Disease” with
speaker Dr. Jorgen Slots professor of Periodontology and Microbiology at
USC Dental School. HDA President Lilia Larin co-chaired the event.
Lilia Larin, Speaker Jorgen Slots , Alfredo
Medina and Luis Llanos from San Diego
San Diego HDA Chapter sponsored speaker Dr. Jorgen Slots poses with
meeting attendees after his lecture in Mexico.
Dr. Jorge Chavarria from Colegio de Cirujanos
Dentistas and HDA president Dr. Lilia Larin
from San Diego HDA Chapter co-chaired the
Sonora Mexico event.
Student and
Professional meeting
attendees from
Mexico and the US
gather for a picture.
20  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
217.529.6517
HDA Professional Chapter News
The San Diego HDA Chapter holds a
membership drive in Celebration of Dia de los
Muertos
HDA San Diego Chapter celebrated “Dia de Los Muertos” on November 2 with a
membership appreciation and networking social event at the Cozymel Restaurant
in San Diego California. Mario Orozco SD HDA President gave a presentation on
Membership Benefits and the HDA Mission.
Dr. Lise Herrera, La Katrina and Dr. Liliana
Peterson celebrate “Dia de los Muertos”
San Diego HDA Binational Chapter Past
Presidents Dr. Guadalupe Marquez and
Dr. Glenda Urias
Dr. Lilia Larin HDA President, Dr. Tayde Soto President-Elect San
Diego HDA Chapter , La Katrina Pinata, Dr. Richard Mowry and Dr.
Karen Becerra HDA San Diego Past President
University of Texas HDSA Oral Health Month
During Colgate Oral Health Month, the University Of Texas School Of Dentistry (UTSD)
Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) collaborated with the Alpha Omega Fraternity at
the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services
where over 178 refugees were served. This event
promoted complete body health, so patients
were screened for high blood pressure, vision and
hearing deficiencies, blood glucose abnormalities
and BMI. Oral hygiene instructions were given to
adults and children in order to help them learn
proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques.
Colgate educational resources were handed out
to the patients to promote optimal oral health
with Colgate products such as toothpastes and
toothbrushes. HSDA members present were:
Sean LaRue, Paola Salazar and Alexandra Garza.
UTSD HSDA is appreciative of Colgate-Palmolive
providing products to assist with oral health
promotion.
www.hdassoc.org
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  21
HDA Student Chapter News
The Houston Hispanic Dental Association celebrated the Holiday season on December 1, 2011
at the Junior League of Houston. Over 160 attendees enjoyed good food, dancing, camaraderie
and bidding on silent auction items. HHDA awarded three scholarships to University of Texas
School of Dentistry Houston dental students ranging from $1,000 to $500. HHDA congratulates
scholarship recipients Faryn Vela, Melissa Uriegas, and Alexandra Aponte.
Dr. Joe Bisquerra, Scholarship recipient
Melissa Uriegas, Dr. Victor Rodriguez
Claudia Fuentes, Mariana Ruiz-Posada, Jo Fogg, Dr. Lisa Trevino, Claudia
Parra, Dr. Joe Bisquerra, Dr. Ale Garcia, and Dr. Victor Rodriguez.
Master of ceremonies Pedro Rojas from
Univision TV, Dr. Joe Bisquerra, Dr. Lisa
Trevino, Dr. Victor Rodriguez
Renew your HDA
membership before
January 15th and be
eligible to win
a IPOD Touch.
www.HDAssoc.org
22  HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012
217.529.6517
HDA Corporate RoundTable Sponsors:
The Hispanic Dental Association recognizes with pride these exceptional companies who support its mission of optimizing the oral
health of the Hispanic community through service, education, advocacy and leadership.
To learn more about a rewarding partnership with the Hispanic Dental Association, contact the HDA at hispanicdental@hdassoc.org.
Bankers Healthcare Group
Sunstar Butler
Affinity Insurance
Services
American General Life
www.hdassoc.org
HDA News & Reports  Issue No. 170  Fall 2012  23
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National Headquarters:
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Save the date!
HDA Annual Meeting
September 26-29, 2013
Marriott Copley Plaza - Boston, MA
Watch for details online at: www.hdassoc.org