Annual Tufts Student Hispanic Dental Association (HSDA) Photoshoot

From Dr. Aidee Nieto-Herman,

It was a true honor to be invited to participate in the Tufts Student Hispanic Dental
Association (HDA) Annual Photo Shoot last May, especially as the Founder of the
Tufts Student HDA Chapter (established in 1994) and former Faculty Advisor for
two decades. I am incredibly proud of our current Faculty Advisor, Dr. Martha
Forero, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the organization. I also
want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to her on receiving the Manuel M.
Album Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Over the past 30 years, the Tufts Student HDA Chapter has grown into one of the
strongest and most enduring chapters of the national HDA, with a legacy of
impactful engagement and service to the Hispanic community. Their efforts have
been recognized both locally and nationally, reflecting the chapter’s steadfast
commitment to its mission.
As a former President of both the HDA and MAHDA, I was proud to stand
alongside the outgoing student board and to welcome the newly elected members.
A special acknowledgment goes to Adriana Iturbide for her remarkable leadership
as the past Student President and for receiving the prestigious Tufts Presidential
Award.
I would also like to congratulate my mentee of 12 years, Yudi Quintero, on her
inspiring journey—from dental assistant to registered dental hygienist, and now a
graduating member of the Tufts DMD Class of 2025. Yudi is a recipient of the Dr.
Aidee Nieto-Herman Scholarship Award, a recognition she truly deserves.
My sincere congratulations also go to Erika Magana, another recipient of the Dr.
Aidee Nieto-Herman Scholarship Award, presented by the Hispanic
International Mission (HIM).
Lastly, I am excited to welcome my mentee, Diana Florencio, as the incoming
President of the Tufts Student HDA Chapter for the 2025–2026 term.
Congratulations to the Hispanic Dental Association on its 35th Anniversary! As a
former National President of HDA, I warmly invite you to join us at this year’s
Annual Meeting, which will be held in Florida from September 18–20, 2025.

God Bless You All & God Bless America.
Dr. Aidee Nieto-Herman, Associate professor of Periodontology.
Founder/President/CEO Hispanic International Mission {HIM]