Immigrant International Dentist Mother from El Salvador

Immigrant Mother to International Dentist Program, Spanish Speaker

I am an immigrant mother from El Salvador where I became a dentist before moving to the USA and becoming part of the Salvadoran community in America, now more than three million strong. I especially hope to be considered for selection to an Advanced Standing program for international dentists. I have spent the last several years serving as a dental assistant in the Los Angeles Community, the epicenter of the Salvadoran Diaspora. I know and love my community in Los Angeles and understand their needs and concerns, particularly having to do with oral health care and education. I look forward to serving the Salvadoran community in the USA, in particular, because they are in the same situation of extreme precariousness as other immigrants from south of the border. There is an enormous need to help them with their oral health care, especially the undocumented. As a Central American dentist, I feel called to the inner city in the USA, since all major cities have many underserved whose first language is Spanish. I have extensive volunteer experience first in El Salvador and later in the USA.

I grew up in a rural area of El Salvador. My mom taught me to cook when I was a child, preparing food and feeding my younger siblings. For secondary school, I went to live with my aunt in the capital city. By this time, I was planning for a career and focused early on dentistry because dentists were very appreciated and held in high esteem in my community - because of the critical importance of what they provide. My aunt introduced me to Dr. ____, a compassionate lady dentist who became my mentor. In time, I became her assistant, setting up the instrument tray, and performing a variety of tasks around the clinic. I learned the importance of listening and educating patients, and how crucial it is to understanding their concerns. Dr. ____ inspired me to become a dentist and instilled in me a special love for the underserved without access to oral health care.

The wonderful life that I have now as an oral health care professional began when I finished dental school in El Salvador and began my internship year at the "Suchitoto Health Center," a village far from the capital. Since then, I have lived each day to provide dental care. If I did not have a patient to treat, I looked for one, actively seeking out patients after my shift ended. I visited the three elementary schools to become acquainted with the teachers. I contacted the "Colgate Palmolive Company" to request their assistance. They kindly sent a representative who accompanied me back to each of the three elementary schools, providing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and informative flyers to the children. I taught them proper brushing techniques and conducted dental screenings to identify those in need of prompt attention. I performed cleanings, sealants, fillings, pulpotomies, and extractions on many children. It was gratifying to see them smile afterward and later devour their food. I have immensely enjoyed treating individuals of all ages and backgrounds, especially those in challenging circumstances. I have shown them love, and dedication, and identified with their struggles. I went on to practice dentistry in El Salvador for seven years. In the USA, my primary long-term goal is to work as a dentist within the Latino community, providing comprehensive care with preferential treatment for pregnant women, children, and the elderly, and working to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

In 2002, I permanently moved to the USA due to marriage. During my time in the USA, I have been blessed to have formed a family. I have assiduously engaged with the field of dentistry all these years through my consistent work as a dental assistant, pursuit of continuing education, and active involvement in community volunteering. These diverse avenues have afforded me invaluable experiences, as I have persistently nurtured my aspiration of becoming a dentist in the United States. Working as a dental assistant in America has been exceptionally enlightening and I have most enjoyed exposure to a broad variety of professional scenarios and patients from many different ethnic and linguistic groups, each one helping me to master new aspects of innovative, vanguard dentistry, as practiced in America.

I follow the latest advancements in dental care closely in my independent reading and also the high-quality and ethical standards of patient care in the US. Among my numerous volunteer experiences has been volunteering to serve with the team of a mobile dental unit, where I especially enjoy the camaraderie of compassionate professionals who provide care with enormous enthusiasm.

In addition to being a devoted mother, raising my two children - one of whom has a disability - I have tirelessly worked and continuously pursued further education. I firmly believe that now is the right time to take the next step in my lifelong learning and professional success in dentistry in the USA. It is my top priority, and I am unwavering in its pursuit.

Thank you for considering my application to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists.

Immigrant International Dentist Mother from El Salvador