(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jaime Davila’s passion for the medical field began with a high school interest in anatomy, but today he is shaping oral health as one of the three newest Dental Hygiene instructors at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus.
“I’m an alumnus of the program and have been an instructor for eight months.” Davila said. “I felt it was a great opportunity to share my fresh industry experience.”
While in high school, Davila was involved with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a student organization he credits with broadening his perspective on career pathways in the medical field. That experience led him to TSTC, where he earned an associate degree in Biology in 2020. He began his medical career as a clinical and service navigator with United Healthcare (now UnitedHealth Group) in Harlingen.
“I helped patients schedule appointments for procedures, manage medication therapy and other duties,” he said. “But I reached a point where I wanted to accomplish more medically, professionally and give back to the community.”
Driven by that purpose, Davila returned to TSTC to pursue an associate degree in Dental Hygiene, and graduated in 2023. That same year, he was hired as a dental hygienist at Red Square Dental and Orthodontics in Edinburg.
“I have worked at the dental clinic for three years,” he said. “It has been a great experience helping the community. I also worked alongside the college’s Dental Hygiene students because of an articulation agreement that helped enhance the students clinicals.”
Eight months ago, Davila accepted an instructor role in TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program. It would give him the ability to translate his recent industry experience with students.
“I keep them up-to-date on what I experience because I still provide weekend help at Red Square Dental,” he said. “I also share some of my stories of perseverance to relate to students who are facing their own challenges.”
Raquel Rico, the program’s lead instructor, admires Davila’s ability to connect with students while maintaining high-expectations.
“Jaime brings a fresh perspective from the current dental workforce,” she said. “It benefits our students who can comprehend techniques used in today’s clinical setting.”
Davila finds his greatest reward when observing students evolve during clinicals.
“Clinicals ensure they will not only be technically proficient, but ready to serve others,” he said.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.