The Hispanic Dental Association Foundation (HDAF), together with Crest and Oral-B, convened a roundtable of leading dental professionals, oral health researchers, and policy makers to discuss why U.S. Hispanics lag behind other Americans in many aspects of oral health.
The roundtable discussion took place during the Hispanic Dental Association's 2012 annual meeting, held July 20-24 in Boca Raton, FL.
The discussion explored findings from a 2011 survey led by the HDAF and sponsored by Crest and Oral-B. The survey of 1,000 Hispanic adults and 1,000 adults from the general population age 18 and older who live in the continental U.S. found that the majority of U.S. Hispanics believe more information about good oral health habits, access to affordable oral healthcare, and more Hispanic and Spanish-speaking dentists and dental hygienists in their communities would help them achieve better oral health.
To address Hispanics' barriers and knowledge gaps, the roundtable participants identified the following priorities:
- Close the communication gaps between dental professionals and medical practitioners through continuing education programs and open dialogues at relevant meetings and professional conventions.
- Educate patients on the consequences of poor oral hygiene and the benefits of home care and prevention by creating culturally relevant learning opportunities through community gathering centers.
- Identify local ambassadors to amplify the oral health message and serve as the coach in their community's oral health routine.
The HDAF, Crest, and Oral-B will be making a donation to the Caridad Center, a free dental clinic serving Palm Beach County's underprivileged population, on behalf of roundtable participants for their work to improve the state of oral health among U.S. Hispanics.
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