The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health released a comprehensive white paper on oral health disparities in Hispanic communities, which identifies several key policies that can improve oral health and reduce inequities among Hispanics in the US, which now represent nearly 19% of the total population.
“To effectively address health inequities among Hispanic populations, we need to understand the unique barriers they face in accessing care,” said CareQuest Institute Chief Health Equity Officer and Executive Vice President Kaz Rafia, DDS, MBA, MPH. “It’s also critical that those most impacted by disparities are included in those conversations and solutions. We are grateful to the HDA for their work on this important report that offers actionable insights on how we can work together to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic people across our country.”
“It is the first time in American history that we have national research revealing the oral health disparities that Hispanics and other racial/minority groups face,” said President-Elect and Chair of the Research Initiative at the Hispanic Dental Association, Martha Mutis, DDS, MPH, EdD, FICD. “The publication offers valuable recommendations for advocacy at federal, state, and local levels to improve access, quality, and coverage in oral health for minority and underserved populations.”
The authors engaged with over 60 experts representing public health, dentistry, and academia to analyze findings from multiple surveys and collaborate on recommendations to benefit Hispanic communities.
The white paper traces the history of Hispanics in the US, analyzes the utilization of dental services, evaluates Hispanic representation within the dental workforce, and makes recommendations for policy changes to improve overall health and quality of life for Hispanics.
- See the press release “New White Paper Explores the Health Disparities Hispanic Communities Face in the US” (July 31, 2023)
- See the full 45-page report “Addressing the Oral Health Needs of Hispanics in the U.S” (April 2023)
