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Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | May 2012A4 Ad For the first time, dental organi- zations representeing African American, Native American and Hispanic dental professionals — and oftent underserved populations within those groups — will meet together in a multicultural oral health summit. Photo/Provided by VOCO, NDA, HDA, SAID Ethnic dental groups combine their 2012 annual conventions African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans represented by three U.S. associations at July summit Three premier dental organizations for ethnic minorities will host a his- toric joint annual convention July 20- 24, in Boca Raton, Fla. The National Dental Association (NDA), Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) collectively represent the needs and concerns of African American, His- panic and American Indian oral health professionals and the communities they serve. The conference theme is: “Multi-Cultural Oral Health Summit: Collectively Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Population to Improve Oral Health.” Underserved, under-represented “I am delighted to be a part of this his- toric undertaking," said Dr. Sheila R. Brown, immediate past president of the Washington, D.C.,-based NDA. "Our organizations share a common bond — communities that have been tra- ditionally underserved and providers that have been woefully under-repre- sented in the health professions. I look forward to this collaboration and to future collective efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in America.” "The Society of American Indian Dentists is excited to continue the collaborating efforts of organizations representing underserved popula- tions," said Dr. Ruth Bol, president of the SAID. "American Indians continue to live in communities where there is an up-to-90-percent tooth-decay rate. This meeting will be the first of its kind to bring together the very pro- fessionals that will help to make the greatest impact on the oral health cri- ses. The SAID, HDA and NDA represent a great wealth of oral health diversity, and this meeting will be a testament to this empowerment of dental medi- cine for these underrepresented mi- norities.” “The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) looks forward to this monu- mental event," said Margo Y. Melchor, RDH, MEd, president of the HDA. "As an inclusive organization, HDA is very proud of the collaborations we have formed with NDA and SAID. This sum- mit will enable the membership of the three unique ethnic dental organiza- tions to unite and focus on the similar efforts of our missions: the elimina- tion of oral health disparities.” Convention attendees will include dentists, auxiliaries, students, commu- nity leaders, corporations and other stakeholders interested in improving oral health. The program will include continuing education seminars and ceremonial events that reflect the rich culture and tradition of each group. This summit will enable all groups to discuss oral health issues that impact diverse communities throughout the United States. (Sources: VOCO, NDA, HDA, SAID) MEETINGS