For dentistry,National Hispanic Heritage Month inspires celebrations hosted by the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA), according to itsPresident Rosa Chaviano Moran DMD, FICD. In this article, learn abouttwo National Hispanic Heritage Month events in dentistry taking place between now and October 15 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Then gain insight on the history of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the inclusion and diversity it encourages today.

Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) President Rosa Chaviano Moran DMD, FICD took office January 1, 2021. Dr. Chaviano Moran is Associate Dean for Admissions at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey.
Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) President Rosa Chaviano Moran DMD, FICD took office January 1, 2021.Dr. Chaviano Moran is Associate Dean for Admissions at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey.

Hispanic Dental Association President Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran shares two National Hispanic Heritage Month events in dentistry taking place in Sept. and Oct.

Hispanic Dental Association President Dr. Chaviano Moran, also the Associate Dean for Admissions at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine shares two regional events taking place in September and October during National Hispanic Heritage Month. They include:

  • September 24 -25, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    Annual Hispanic Dental Association Student Regional Conference in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine.
  • October 7, North Brunswick Township, New Jersey
    “Building an Inclusive Culture”, a cocktail mixer and CE presentation hosted by the New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), New Jersey Hispanic Dental Association (NJHDA) and New York Dental Association (Professional Chapters)

    To learn more about these events, others across the U.S. and the Hispanic Dental Association‘s three-year Strategic Plan to support inclusivity, click HERE.

“Inclusivity is critical for me and has been part of my platform since I became HDA president January 1, 2021.“

Hispanic Dental Association President Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran

Looking for National Hispanic Heritage Month History to help celebrate history and culture at your dental practice and with your patients? Learn more here.

National Hispanic Heritage Month inspires annual celebrations of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic Communities. From September 15 until October 15, events commemorate how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society. 

  • The civil rights movement of the 1960s led the push to recognize the contributions of the Latinx community and brought to the forefront a growing awareness of the multicultural identities in the U.S. 
  • In June 1968, California Congressman George E. Brown introduced the idea of a commemorative week for Hispanic heritage.
  • Public Law 90-48 introduced on September 17, 1968 officially authorized and requested President Lyndon B. Johnson to issue annual proclamations declaring September 15 and 16 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Week.  
  • National Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with Independence Day celebrations of several Central American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chili, and Belize.
  • In 1987, U.S. representative, Esteban E. Torres was the first to propose expanding National Hispanic Heritage Week to its current 31-day cycle. 
  • On Sept. 14, 1989, President George H. W. Bush became the first president to declare the 31-day period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. 
Locals light torches from a flame during 2015 Guatemalan Independence Day celebrations in Antigua.
Locals light torches from a flame during 2015 Guatemalan Independence Day celebrations in Antigua.

How does the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) support inclusivity and diversity and dentistry?

Inclusivity and diversity values are valued within dentistry. Representation of the diversity that exists within the dental profession provides benefits to dentists, their patients, and their communities.  

One organization making a positive impact, the aforementioned Hispanic Dental Association (HDA), was founded in 1990 in Texas with a national scope. 

“It’s not necessary to be Hispanic / LatinX to be a member or serve in HDA. It’s about the communities and patients we will be serving.”

Hispanic Dental Association President Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moran

Inclusivity is driven by its mission: “As the leading voice for Hispanic Oral Health, we provide service, education-research, advocacy, and leadership for all healthcare professionals, to promote overall health of the Hispanic/Latinx and underrepresented communities.” 

By design, HDA empowers dental professionals while promoting the need for inclusiveness and diversity in the dental field.  

Examples of its acts of service across the nation and globe:

HDA memberships are available for dental professionals and dental students with chapters across the nation. Learn more about membership benefits HERE.

Get to know leader and educator Dr. Rosa Chaviano Moreno in an exclusive interview with Incisal Edge magazineHERE.


Wondering what’s included in the HDA three-year Strategic Plan?

Interested in mentorship or want to learn more about workshops thathelp students from marginalized groups become the dental mentors, leaders and academicians of the 21st century ?

Hear firsthand about Dr. Chaviano Moreno’s initiatives with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) GIES Foundation Grant and HDA HERE