Dental Student Profile
Hunt School of Dental Medicine Student Profile: James White
"I want to help make the community healthier. I strongly believe that education is key in changing the health outcome in people's lives."
Tell us a little about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, an area similar to El Paso in culture. It lies on the border at the southernmost tip of Texas. Growing up, I lived all over the valley but spent most of my time on South Padre Island, where my father lived, and in Harlingen, where my mom was. I went to school in both towns and eventually graduated from high school at Harlingen South. I did my undergraduate program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Who or what moment inspired you to go into dentistry?
My mother worked in the administrative side of dentistry as I was growing up. When I graduated high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I began working at my mom's office. Like many people at that age, I was just trying to figure out what was important to me. I ended up falling in love with the day-to-day challenges of dentistry. To me, there’s something extremely satisfying about seeing a patient go from dissatisfaction with their state of oral health to a spot where they feel confident enough to smile again. No two patients are the same, and no situation is the same.
What aspects of the unique curriculum are you most looking forward to?
Hands down, early introduction into the clinic. It’s extremely important to come out of school with as much exposure and confidence as you can obtain. I also look forward to the forward-thinking curriculum in pursuing the latest available technology for treatment and procedures. We work with some very exciting equipment that will undoubtedly make us more competent clinicians.
What kind of impact do you hope to have on the community as a dental student at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine?
I intend to be an active member in my community, not only in health care but also in outreach and education. I come from an underserved area with similar challenges to those experienced here in El Paso, and I intend to use the knowledge I gain to help create change.
Do you have any mentors who have helped you along the way?
My former boss, Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado, and his associate, Dr. Gregorio Salinas, have been instrumental in getting me here today. They always had answers for my questions and never showed frustration with me, no matter how elementary my questions may have seemed. They instilled a passion for the profession in me, and without their help, I don't know that I would be in this position today.
What is something about you people might not know?
I've been an avid surfer for 20 years. Believe it or not, we have decent waves on the South Texas coast.
What do you like most about El Paso or find unique about the region?
The people. Everyone is so kind and caring. Since the first day I moved here, I’ve felt at home, and I cannot thank the community enough for treating me the way they have.