What the dental team should know about PTSD and Burnout

Census should reflect the composition of our Country, not redefine it.

Manuel A. Cordero, DDS, CPH, MAGD.

Executive Director & CEO, HDA

The ability to count one’s people to understand growth and the distribution of resources goes back to biblical times. Just as the book of Numbers 1:2 described the request of God to see his people through the wilderness, the 2020 census marked a vital tool in understanding Hispanic growth in this nation. Most recently the New York Times reported a major finding in the release of the 2020 Census stating that the overall number of citizens was undercounted by almost 19 million individuals and ethnic proportions were incorrect.1 Hispanic residents in this nation were misrepresented in a major way. Alarmingly, 1 out of 20 Hispanics was not counted. This 5 percent discrepancy, represents millions of more Latinos/ Latinx in this nation were forgotten. As a collective people, we provide an essential part of American infrastructure historically and economically. Hispanics have helped fight in every war that has shaped this country.2 Our patriotic impact has spanned from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and both World Wars. We helped weave the American historical tapestry. From a social/economic impact, Hispanics help grow a 1/3 of our food, help build a quarter of our homes, roads, buildings, and other vital infrastructure, and represent 14 percent of our entrepreneurs.3 Five years ago, the Hispanic

Population in the United States paid 215 Billion Dollars in taxes. 3 During this pandemic, that has now lasted over two years, our people have kept this nation running as “essential workers.” The agriculture, construction, and service infrastructure sectors are fueled by Hispanics generating approximately 2 trillion dollars for our economy.4 We are the elephant in the room when it comes to sustaining the US economy. The Journal of the HDA aims to highlight our scientific perspective on issues that affect our communities. This better supports the oral health workforce and generates opportunities for creating the needed pathways into the Oral Health fields. Science shows quality of life is directly impacted by good oral health. It is time for the U.S. to correct the proper count of the invisible giant within our borders. What does this represent for you and me? The value that comes from this data is a collective call for action. Now more than ever your paid membership and your involvement are needed to help us continue a legacy of helping shape our society. Please get involved and see that we can make a difference in the front lines or even behind the scenes together. #SomosHDA

“ During this pandemic, that has now lasted over two years, our people have References:

kept this nation running as 1. Wines M., Cramer. M, 2020 essential workers.” Census Undercounted Hispanic, Black and Native American Residents, March 10, 2022, New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/10/ us/census-undercounted-population.html 2. Hispanic-Americans’ Contributions to U.S. Wars, Military Officers Association of America https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-andm e d i a / m o a a - b l o g / h i s p a n i c - a m e r i c a n s - contributions-to-u-s--wars/ 3. The Power of the Purse: How Hispanics Contribute to the U.S. Economy, New American Economy Research Fund, December 2017 http:// research.newamericaneconomy.org/wp-content/ uploads/sites/2/2017/12/Hispanic_V5.pdf 4. Vazquez Russel, M. Hispanic Heritage Month Report: Hispanic, Latino workers kept the US economy moving during the pandemic. ABC News affiliate WATE https://www.wate.com/hiddenhistory/hispanic-heritage-month/report-hispaniclatino-workers-kept-the-us-economy-movingduring-pandemic/