A method for preparing a fast-drying particulate hydroxyapatite composition includes the steps of reacting a calcium salt aqueous solution with a phosphate salt aqueous solution to obtain a product solution including hydroxyapatite particles in aqueous suspension and a dissolved byproduct salt; purifying the product solution by removing at least a portion of the dissolved byproduct salt to form a purified product; and dehydrating the purified product by diluting the purified product with a non-water fluid to form a diluted product in a water/non-water mixed solution and subsequently removing at least a portion of the water/non-water mixed solution to form a dehydrated product.