(HARLINGEN, Texas) – If there is one thing that motivates Amy Rubio while she pursues an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene at Texas State Technical College, it is the satisfaction of seeing her patients smile after they have had their teeth cleaned in the program’s on-site clinic.
“When I was 12 years old, I visited a dentist’s office for a teeth cleaning,” Rubio said. “I found the person’s job very interesting. I believed that was going to be my future job.”
Before enrolling at TSTC, Rubio worked full time at a drugstore chain for six years. During that time, she completed some of TSTC’s online prerequisite courses.
“When I worked at the store, my former boss challenged me in my job through his work ethic,” she said. “I appreciate what he did because it prepared me for the challenges in the Dental Hygiene program.”
Rubio said she has enjoyed getting to know her classmates.
“It’s interesting how every person has a story about how they became interested in the dental profession,” she said.
Marilee Gonzalez is one of Rubio’s instructors.
“Amy’s ability to understand dental concepts has helped her comprehend the severity of a patient’s diagnosis and their hygiene,” Gonzalez said.
Rubio said making connections has given her a new outlook.
“My favorite part is building rapport with my patients,” she said. “Our instructors have us find our own patients. I don’t know anybody that lives near TSTC because my hometown is an hour away. It took me out of my comfort zone, but I learned from it. I enjoy cleaning people’s teeth because it improves their confidence.”
According to onetonline.org, dental hygienists in Texas earn an average annual salary of $89,160. The need for hygienists in the state was expected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, according to the website.
Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. To learn more, go to tstc.edu.
