P&G, Hispanic Dental Association Foundation support next generation of dental professionals
CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Oral Health Group (Crest) and the Hispanic Dental Association Foundation have announced the recipients of their annual scholarship program on the first day of the Hispanic Dental Association Annual Meeting, which brings together the largest gathering of U.S. Hispanic oral health professionals.
These scholarships were awarded to 16 entry-level U.S. Hispanic students who have been accepted into an accredited dental, dental hygiene, dental assisting, or dental technician program. Each of these individuals was judged on their demonstration of scholastic achievement, community service, leadership skills and commitment to improving health in the Hispanic community.
“We are proud to have partners, like Crest, who help us honor these worthwhile individuals who will go on to positively influence the Hispanic community,” stated Sarita Arteaga, president of the HDAF. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it is only fitting that we put the spotlight on the next generation of dental professional leaders who are already making an impact in their communities.”
To be considered for the scholarship, each of the winners had to fill out an application that spoke to their community service, leadership, extracurricular activities, honors, work experience and write an essay on they career goals. Through the essay portion, the winners were asked why they wanted to be a dental professional, how they will help to improve their community and what the scholarship would do to help them in attaining these goals.
In addition to providing scholarships to the next generation of Hispanic Dental professionals, Crest and the HDAF have set out to correct misperceptions U.S. Hispanics face when it comes to their oral health. This year, during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, both Crest and the HDAF are focusing on the next generation of Hispanic dental professionals, not only by awarding these 16 scholarship winners, but by partnering with Univision at their annual Feria Es El Momento, on Oct. 5, to teach Hispanic families about the importance of oral care and how to become a dental professional.
“At Crest, we feel it is imperative to continue this partnership with the HDAF in support of the U.S. Hispanic community,” stated Wanda Vides, assistant brand manager for Crest. “Through our ‘Hispanics Open Up About Oral Health Care’ survey, we found that approximately 6-in-10 Hispanics feel that a higher representation of Spanish-speaking and Hispanic dental professional would help them ‘a lot’ in achieving and maintaining better oral health. This is why we want to help foster the next generation of dental professionals through this scholarship program.”
Get connected and follow us on LinkedIn for the most in-depth coverage of drug store news. Join the conversation.