A Case for Inclusion
The Hispanic Dental Association Perspective Rosa Chaviano-Moran, DMD President, Hispanic Dental Association Herminio Perez, DMD, MBA
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nclusion is the required core element to successfully “integrate” everyone and allow their differences to coexist in a mutually beneficial way. When talking about “inclusion,” clarifying the distinction between diversity and inclusion is important. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably. Diversity, as a core value, embodies inclusiveness and includes all aspects of human differences (socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability, and age). Inclusion is the core element in achieving diversity to create an environment that fosters belonging, respect, and value for all. HISPANIC DENTAL ASSOCIATION: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE In 1990, the founding members of the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) shared a joint commitment to improve
Journal of the American College of Dentists
the oral health of Hispanics and other underserved communities. Incorporated in Texas with a national scope, our history is one of inclusivity driven by our mission. As the leading voice for Hispanic Oral Health, we provide Service, Education, Advocacy, and Leadership for promotion of overall health of the Hispanic and other underserved communities.1 Furthermore, HDA’s vision is to “Eliminate Oral Health disparities in Hispanic and other underserved communities.” With Hispanics being the nation’s fastest-growing minority group and its largest,2 the HDA priorities are improving the oral health of the Hispanic/Latinx* (H/L) communities while supporting the oral health providers, the interprofessional team, and the prospective students representing the future of dentistry. HISPANIC/LATINX DEFINITIONS Latinos in the U.S. describe their identity in many ways, reflecting the diversity of origins in the Latino community, the immigrant experience and geography.3 Broadly, some Latinos use pan-ethnic terms such as “Hispanic” or “Latino” to describe their identity; some prefer their family’s Hispanic origin group; others use “American”. When describing their identity, more than half (54%) of Hispanics say they most often use the name of their ancestors’ Hispanic origin (such as Mexican, Dominican, Salvadoran or Cuban).3 44
