National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States annually from September 15 to October 15. This celebration honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of U.S. citizens whose ancestry traces to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.1
The start date of September 15 holds particular significance, as it marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. These celebrations are followed closely by Mexico’s independence on September 16, Chile’s on September 18, and Belize’s on September 21.1
While this period is often celebrated through cultural events, educational initiatives, and community gatherings, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on pressing issues of equity, including disparities in oral health outcomes among Hispanic populations in the United States.
Socioeconomic and Systemic Barriers
Disparities in oral health affect the most vulnerable populations, particularly impacting Hispanic communities, which represent the largest (18.9%) and fastest-growing non-majority ethnic group in the United States.1,2 The top barriers to achieving better oral health among Hispanic populations are oral health literacy, high costs or lack of access to affordable care and insurance, and language or cultural differences. Approximately 40% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. live in states where dental care, including emergency care, is not covered by Medicaid’s adult dental benefits.2
People who face barriers to care often turn to emergency departments for pain. Still, dental services provided in emergency departments generally cost more and focus on managing pain or infections rather than addressing the underlying oral health condition. Emergency departments often lack systems for referring patients to dental providers, and many patients return to the department multiple times.2
Mexican migrant families often face discrimination in healthcare based on their race, socioeconomic status, not speaking English, and insurance status. Language plays a critical role in oral health disparities for Hispanics with limited English proficiency. In households where Spanish was the primary language, research shows that the likelihood of tooth decay was 70% compared to 47% in primarily English-speaking households.2
A qualitative study on Hispanic parents discussed them being left out of treatment decision-making for their children due to language barriers. Children of Hispanic parents who do not speak English at home face linguistic challenges while attending dental visits and have poorer oral health outcomes, including higher dental caries, fewer preventive visits, and fewer dental sealants than the general U.S. population.2
Prevalence of Dental Disease
Hispanics have disproportionately higher rates of dental caries and periodontal disease. National data from 2011–2012 indicated the prevalence of untreated decay in Hispanic adults aged 20–64 was significantly higher (36%) than in non-Hispanic white adults (22%). This difference was also noted for adults aged 65 and older, with 27% of Hispanics and 16% of non-Hispanic whites affected. Additionally, 51% of non-Hispanic white adults aged 20–64 were also more likely to retain their teeth as compared to 45% of Hispanic adults. NHANES 2009–2014 data showed that the prevalence of periodontitis among Mexican American adults (60%) and other Hispanic adults (49%) was significantly higher compared to non-Hispanic white adults (37%).3
Hispanic children in the United States also face significant oral health disparities. The prevalence of dental caries is highest among Hispanic youth aged 2–19 years (52%) compared to non-Hispanic Black (44.3%), Asian (42.6%), and White (39%) youth. Many Hispanic children do not receive dental care due to issues with transportation, copayments, trust, and language barriers.2
Utilization of Dental Services
Hispanic adults in the United States experience lower utilization of dental services relative to their non-Hispanic White counterparts, a disparity that is documented across multiple national datasets. Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) show that in 2020, only about 60% of Hispanic adults reported a dental visit within the past year, compared to higher rates among non-Hispanic Whites. Similarly, the 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) estimated that only 34% of Hispanic adults accessed dental services, compared to 52% of non-Hispanic Whites.4
Hispanic children are more likely than Hispanic adults to access dental care, though disparities remain when compared to non-Hispanic White children. The National Survey of Children’s Health found that in 2019–2020, approximately 78% of Hispanic children aged 0–17 received a dental visit in the prior year, compared to 83% of non-Hispanic White children.4
On a positive note, longitudinal analyses from the National Health Interview Survey confirm substantial improvement over the past two decades, with Hispanic children demonstrating the most notable gains in access and reduction in untreated decay compared to other racial and ethnic groups.4
Workforce Representation
The need to diversify the dental workforce and promote cultural competence in the U.S. health care system is rooted in recognizing the growing disparities in health outcomes and access to care, particularly for underrepresented minorities and those who live below the federal poverty level. Hispanic patients may feel more comfortable visiting a dental professional who speaks Spanish and can communicate with them in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.2
As of 2021, dental hygienists were 89.9% non-Hispanic White, 10.7% Hispanic, 5.3% Asian, and 3% Black/African American. Hispanics among dental hygiene students were 18.34% of the total enrollment in 2020–2021. Hispanic dentists and dental hygienists only comprise 6% and 10.7% of active dentists and dental hygienists, respectively. This makes access to a Hispanic dental professional a challenge.4
For dental hygienists, the issue of Hispanic workforce representation carries direct implications for patient care and health equity. Although Hispanics make up nearly one in five Americans, they remain significantly underrepresented in the oral health workforce. Research shows that Hispanic providers are more likely to serve Hispanic and underserved communities, bridging gaps in trust, language, and cultural understanding.5 Increasing representation not only diversifies the profession but also strengthens the delivery of preventive care where it is needed most.
Dental hygienists can expand representation by mentoring Hispanic students and supporting cultural competency training, ultimately ensuring that oral health services are equitable and improving outcomes for Hispanic patients.
Recommendations for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists can play a central role in delivering patient-centered care that considers Hispanic heritage, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month. Providers should seek opportunities to engage with the cultural, historical, and social contexts of their patients. Visit the National Museum of the American Latino to learn about this month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture.1 Participate in community events to deepen your understanding of Hispanic and Latino histories and experiences, fostering cultural sensitivity in clinical practice.
Integrating bilingual resources into patient education is vital. Dental hygienists can provide written materials in Spanish, offering verbal instructions in the patient’s preferred language.6
Beyond direct care, dental hygienists must advocate for expanded adult dental coverage through Medicaid, the inclusion of dental services in public health policy, and the establishment of culturally responsive training standards.
In Closing
Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity and a reminder of the importance of recognizing cultural identity in oral healthcare. By implementing culturally respectful practices, expanding community outreach, and advocating for equitable policies, dental hygienists can directly address the oral health disparities that affect Hispanic populations. These efforts not only improve oral health outcomes but also contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and patient-centered profession. Celebrating heritage while advancing health equity ensures that every patient receives care that is respectful and accessible.
Before you leave, check out the Today’s RDH self-study CE courses. All courses are peer-reviewed and non-sponsored to focus solely on high-quality education. Click here now.
Listen to the Today’s RDH Dental Hygiene Podcast Below:
References
- Hispanic Heritage Month. (n.d.). Smithsonian: National Museum of the American Latino. https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month
- Ramos‐Gomez, F., Kinsler, J.J. Addressing Social Determinants of Oral Health, Structural Racism and Discrimination and Intersectionality among Immigrant and Non‐English Speaking Hispanics in the United States. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 2022; 82(S1): 133-139. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9540311/
- Nguyen, D.P., McQuistan, M.R., Qian, F., et al. The Interactive Effects of Oral Health Literacy and Acculturation on Dental Care Use among Hispanic Adults. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 2022; 82(3): 295-302. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9546387/
- Addressing the Oral Health Needs of Hispanics in the U.S.: An Exploration of Oral Health Status, Dental Needs, Utilization of Dental Services, and Workforce. (2023). Hispanic Dental Association and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/addressing-oral-health-needs-hispanics-us
- Mertz, E., Wides, C., Calvo, J., Gates, P. The Hispanic and Latino Dentist Workforce in the United States. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 2016; 77(2), 163-173. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5476499/
- Download Digital Publications. (n.d.). NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/publications
