UCLA Dentistry Hosts HDA Conference

Dental students from around the country attended the Hispanic Dental Association's Student Regional Conference.

The UCLA School of Dentistry played host to this year’s National Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) Student Regional Conference. The event was held on October 12, 2019, and brought together nearly 140 dental students from across 19 dental schools nationwide. The conference, organized by a team led by Dr. Francisco Ramos-Gomez, professor of pediatric dentistry, included presentations on CAMBRA protocol, implants, aesthetics, discussions on leadership, cultural competencies, health disparities, and pathways to licensure.

Dr. Hayes-Bautista, a professor of medicine and director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, gave an inspiring presentation on workforce diversity in dentistry. Current and past UCLA pediatric dentistry residents, Drs. Lizeth Correa, Stephanie Vargas, Mark Ortega, and Miguel Padilla shared their experiences in dental school and residency. In addition, Dr. Ramos-Gomez’ former Infant Oral Care Program coordinator and 2019 National Health Service Corps Scholarship recipient from Western University, Dr. Lesley Carrillo, also spoke about her experience in dental school and what it means to be the first dentist in her family.

The Hispanic Dental Association and UCLA would like to thank all the speakers, including Dean Paul Krebsbach and Drs. Francisco Ramos- Gomez, Edmond Hewlett, Anne Munne, and Alejandra Casillas. A special thank you to HDA’s sponsors: Pacific Dental Services, Colgate Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF), Crest Oral B, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Western U, and the HDA Foundation, who made the 2019 HDA Student Regional a huge success and an unforgettable event.