Ethnic Dental Groups to Host First Ever Joint Convention

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

WASHINGTON - Three of the nation's premier dental organizations for ethnic minorities will join forces and cultures for the first time to host a historic joint annual convention July 20-24 in Boca Raton, Florida.

The organizations are the National Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association and Society of American Indian Dentists. Collectively, they represent the needs and concerns of African American, Hispanic, and American Indian health professionals and the communities they serve.

The theme of the conference, billed as the "Multi-Cultural Oral Health Summit" is "Collectively Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Population to Improve Oral Health"

"I am delighted to be a part of this historic undertaking. I look forward to this collaboration and to future collective efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in America"

stated Dr. Sheila R. Brown, President of the DC based NDA.

"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 professionals that will help to make the greatest impact on the oral health crises"

stated Dr. Ruth Bol, President, Society of American Indian Dentists.

The Society of American Indian Dentists membership comprises American Indian dentists representing 41 American Indian tribes.

"This Summit will enable the membership of the three unique ethnic dental organizations to unite and focus on the similar efforts of our missions: the elimination of oral health disparities,"

stated Margo Y. Melchor, RDH, Med, President of the Hispanic Dental Association.

Attendees at the convention will include dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental school faculty and administrators, public sector leaders, other associations, technical exhibitors, and corporations who are stakeholders in oral health.

posted February 22, 2012 6:00 am est