Dentist Recognized by HDA for Second Year

Media Contact: Ann Blackford, 859-323-6363, x230 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2008) - Dr. Juan Fernando Yepes, assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Division of Oral Diagnostics, Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology, has been recognized for the second year in a row for his professional and academic achievements with the 2008 Hispanic Dental Association Colgate Palmolive Inc. Public Health Award. This award recognizes Hispanic students and faculty enrolled in public health or dental public health graduate programs who demonstrate leadership skills, community service, scholastic achievement and a commitment to improving health in the Hispanic community.

The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) is the only national organization of dental professionals dedicated to promoting and improving the oral health of the Hispanic community and providing advocacy for Hispanic oral health professionals across the U.S. They work with a wide spectrum of individuals and the community at large about oral health issues specific to the Hispanic community. The HDA also encourages interest in oral health careers among Hispanics and provides tools and support to those already serving the Hispanic population.

Yepes holds a Master's of Public Health degree from UK and is currently a Doctor of Public Health student with a concentration in epidemiology at UK's College of Public Health.

The Hispanic Dental Association Colgate Palmolive Inc. Public Health Award was presented to Yepes at the 2008 annual HDA meeting in Carefree, Arizona in November.