NCSHDA awarded first place in Orgullo Outreach Competition
The NCSHDA (North Carolina Student Hispanic Dental Association) won first place in the Orgullo Outreach Competition in San Antonio, Texas in November. The competition was part of the annual 2005 National HDA (Hispanic Dental Association) Meeting and was sponsored by Procter & Gamble. This was the third consecutive year that HDA hosted the outreach program entitled Orgullo which translated means “pride”. Chapters compete through poster presentations that describe their outreach efforts throughout the year and judged by an especially selected panel of dental professionals. Winners received an engraved plaque and a financial donation to their chapter which will be used to support future activities. The Orgullo Program has provided a framework to further chapter activities in our immediate geographic area.
This award recognizes excellence in community activities and identifies NCSHDA as the premier HDA chapter in the country for 2005. Each chapter participating in the program was encouraged to perform educational oral hygiene instruction in elementary and high schools using Proctor and Gamble products. In addition, each chapter must give presentations in secondary schools to stimulate interest in the dental profession. HDA members distribute materials about their organization while engaging in dialog about dentistry and their philanthropic activities.
Furthermore, we encourage interest in oral health careers among Hispanics, provide tools, and support to those already serving the Hispanic population. HDA’s Mission Statement reads: To Optimize the Oral Health of the Hispanic Community.
About the NCSHDA:
The North Carolina Student Hispanic Dental Association (NCSHDA) is state?s leading student-led advocacy group on Hispanic oral health. NCSHDA was established in 1994 to provide continuing education for oral health professionals serving the Hispanic community, to stimulate interest, and encourage entry of Hispanics into oral health professions, and to provide a voice for the Hispanic oral health professionals at UNC and in North Carolina.
For more information about the national organization or to join visit the Hispanic Dental Association website.
Be sure to visit the NC Hispanic Student Dental Association website for more information.
