Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans
Today DentaQuest recognizes and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans and commemorates heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. In alignment with its commitment to improving oral health care for all, DentaQuest is investing in increasing access and representation in oral health for the Hispanic population.
DentaQuest is a member and supporting sponsor of the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and is working to expand the number of dentists that serve the US Hispanic population. As part of that membership role, DentaQuest is sponsoring the HDA Student Conference. The HDA is the leading voice for Hispanic oral health. It provides service, education-research, advocacy, and leadership for all health care professionals to promote overall health of the Hispanic and underrepresented communities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic or Latin American population was 62.1 million in 2020, a 20 percent growth from 2010. Despite comprising 20 percent of the U.S. population, only 6 percent of dentists are Hispanic. The Hispanic population faces unique impediments to care, including language barriers, transportation, oral health competency and cost. Research indicates that cost barriers to dental care have fallen significantly— from 11 percent to 6 percent—for Hispanic children, while increasing for adults and seniors. In fact, Hispanic seniors face the highest cost barriers to dental care. With increased challenges, it is important that underrepresented populations like the Hispanic community have access to oral health professionals who understand their cultural background, oral health practices and oral health competency.
“At DentaQuest, we’re committed to increasing access and representation year-round, but during Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to discuss and address why these unique disparities persist and how they impact the Hispanic population,” said Steve Pollock, DentaQuest president and CEO . “To truly improve the oral health of all, it’s necessary to increase investments in and awareness of the barriers the Hispanic population faces. We’re excited to be working closely with the HDA during the coming year to break down these barriers.”
In addition to its partnership with the HDA, DentaQuest is joining the Hispanic Health Coalition of Texas as a sponsor of the Latino Health Summit.
DentaQuest’s Adelante ERG is making a community donation to UNIDOS US Esperanza Hope for All Campaign.
ABOUT DENTAQUEST
Sun Life U.S. Dental, which includes DentaQuest, is dedicated to improving the oral health of all through purpose-driven, outcomes-based solutions. We make dental benefits better for everyone through Preventistry® – an inclusive approach centered on preventive, quality care, expanded access and solutions built on valued relationships across the health care ecosystem. We manage dental and vision benefits for approximately 32 million Americans. For more than 30 years, we have delivered cost-effective benefit plans and services for employer groups, individuals, health plans, and government-sponsored dental programs. We are the largest Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits administrator in the U.S., by membership. We also support direct patient care through an expanding network of more than 70 dental practices in underserved communities across the United States. Learn more about Sun Life U.S. Dental at Sunlife.com/dental and DentaQuest.com.
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