Dental Student Profile
Hunt School of Dental Medicine Student Profile: Betsaida Delgado
“I cannot express how excited I am to be a small part of the impact that the Hunt School of Dental Medicine will have on the Paso Del Norte region and West Texas. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the institution, paving the way in dental education while putting access to quality care at the forefront of their dental mission.”
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I grew up in the beautiful woods of Mount Pleasant, Texas. I was so used to the rain and greenery of East Texas that I was in for quite a shock when I moved out west to attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock for my undergraduate education. Once I overcame my surprise of the expansive brown terrain and real-life tumbleweeds, I fell in love with the Lubbock community and the beautiful sunsets.
Who or what moment inspired you to go into dentistry?
The day I got my braces was the day I realized I wanted to become a dentist. It was also the first day that I studied my X-rays. I became fascinated with the way my teeth were positioned and how much information my orthodontist was able to gather from reading this translucent black and white image. My interest in dentistry was only reinforced when I began my undergraduate education as a microbiology major. I loved learning about topics such as the oral microbiota, the formation of biofilms and how oral health impacts many other factors within the body. The complexity and specificity of dentistry is something that’s continued to inspire me to pursue this field.
Why is the Hunt School of Dental Medicine the best place for you?
The Hunt School of Dental Medicine offers a diverse community of support that struck me from the first moment I stepped onto campus. This community of kindness and support does not stop at campus. The entire city of El Paso has welcomed me with open arms on each of my visits, and everyone I meet makes me feel like I have truly found my home. While the innovative curriculum and exceptional staff of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine sparked my interest in this school, it was the amazing community of El Paso that proved to me the dental school was the best place for me.
What aspects of the unique curriculum are you most looking forward to?
One of my greatest priorities in dental school is gaining as much experience as possible working with patients, so I’m looking forward to the early clinical experience that I will receive. I’m incredibly excited about the cutting-edge technology and the Hunt School of Dental Medicine’s focus on integrating modern dental techniques, such as CAD/CAM technology.
How does it feel to be part of the inaugural class at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine?
It’s a fantastic honor to be a part of the inaugural class at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. TTUHSC El Paso has recognized that West Texas and the border region suffer from a critical shortage of dentists and have addressed this disparity in care by opening the dental school.
Do you have any family you would like to mention?
One of the greatest inspirations in my education and my life has been my mother, Deyanira Torres. She has proven to me time and time again that dedication and determination will yield success. I truly believe that my mother’s perseverance and support have allowed me to reach my dreams of attending dental school and creating a career in dentistry. My partner is also someone who has encouraged me to pursue my dreams and supported me on my journey toward dental school. With her by my side, I know I can achieve all my goals. She will be attending the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, and we’re both very excited to start this next chapter of our lives together.