Professional Development Through Education and Unity

Conducts and promotes research on oral health disparities in the Hispanic community, including the first national survey on Hispanic oral health with Crest and Oral-B. Publishes the bilingual, peer-reviewed Journal of the Hispanic Dental Association and hosts scientific poster contests with publication and cash awards.

Played a key role in amending local dental laws, implementing electronic health records at the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, and securing approval for a Periodontics Graduate program. Recognizes individual and student chapter contributions through the Orgullo Awards, which include monetary prizes.

Runs the BOLD (Building Our Leaders in Dentistry) mentorship program to introduce dentistry as a career to underrepresented minorities from elementary through undergraduate levels. Provides a Student Chapter Starter Toolkit, supports institutional memberships with faculty advisor benefits, and promotes career awareness through outreach presentations and workshops.

Provides scholarships through the HDA Foundation, awards $5,000 for the Nuestros Niños Contest, and has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships since inception. Offers BOLD grants ($250–$1,000) to support outreach and mentorship activities, travel allowances up to $1,000 for conference attendance, and $150 grants for oral health education of caregivers and older adults.

Hosts an annual meeting and student regional conferences featuring continuing education (up to 14 hours), networking, exhibits, and educational sessions. Also organizes webinars on DAT preparation, dental school applications, and life in dental school to support pre-dental and dental students.

Provides free dental services to refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers; hosts community events for dental services and patient education; distributes oral health kits with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to chapters; and supports Give Kids A Smile Day celebrations in Puerto Rico. Also offers free resume reviews, discounted pharmacy and dental supplies, and custom-fit mouth guards through partnerships.

Organizes and conducts educational programs and professional meetings for periodontists, focusing on advancing clinical knowledge and practice standards in periodontology.

Represents the interests of dental professionals and the public in the Southern Tier region of New York State.

Holds an annual officer installation event to establish leadership and ensure continuity in the oversight of organizational activities.

Carries out continuous business and administrative functions necessary to support the operations of the dental society.

Distributes a monthly bulletin to members containing information about professional development courses for dentists.

Administers and collects membership dues for the OKU Honor Society, a dental honor organization.

Manages and organizes exhibitor participation for the annual Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting (BNDM), including logistics and coordination for the 2026 event.

Offers a structured pathway to ownership for dental professionals seeking to join or acquire a periodontal practice.

Organizes and hosts social events for alumni, including a reunion dinner and dance gala.

Provides and maintains a free online job posting system for dental practice opportunities, including review and approval of listings within 48 hours.

Plans and hosts the annual Buffalo Niagara Dental (BND) Meeting, including coordination of attendees, programming, and exhibitor participation, with the 2026 event scheduled for November 4–6.

Offers free job placement and contract negotiation services to dentists seeking associateship or partnership opportunities.