By GABRIEL CANTU
TSTC Communication Specialist
HARLINGEN, TX—Rio Hondo’s own Laura Trevino is one of a number of Texas State Technical College’s Dental Hygiene Program students training to meet the need for workers in Texas.
According to a recent American Dental Association report, the dental sector is facing a serious workforce shortage. Vacant positions in dental assisting and dental hygiene have reduced dental practice capacity by an estimated 10% nationally.
Marcus Capetillo, of Raymondville, is a third-semester Dental Hygiene student at TSTC. He said the hygienist shortage is creating promising job opportunities for upcoming program graduates.
“This program helps to transition each student to become a professional,” he said. “I plan to take my experience into the workforce and ensure patient education. It’s imperative that people learn about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth outside of a clinic.”
Capetillo developed an interest in the dental field through his brother. “I’m following my brother’s footsteps because he graduated from the same program in 2019,” he said. “He paved the way and I like the fact that I can get a job anywhere as a hygienist.”
Trevino, said this situation motivates her to become one of the best hygienists.
“It will allow me to provide the best optimal care for the community,” she said. “I’ve worked as a dental assistant and I’ve gained insight about dental services in the community. I learned that many patients don’t know what a dental hygienist is because they’ve never had a service provided by that professional.”
She added the medical field became her calling after high school.
“I knew I wanted to help the community more and that’s why I chose this program,” she said. Raquel Rico, TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program director in Harlingen, said the primary focus of the program’s education is about hands-on training.
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