Dental Student Profile

Hunt School of Dental Medicine Student Profile: Steven Venzor

“The experience I’m getting at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine is amazing. Every single person involved in the school is all for student success. I have never seen faculty so involved with a school or the community so supportive.” 

Tell us a little about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

I was born and raised in El Paso. I attended Silva Health Magnet High School, which is across the street from the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. I went on to get my degree in biology from UTEP.

What moment inspired you to go into dentistry?

As a kid, I had all my dental work done in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. It was always a challenging experience overall for me. From waiting in long lines at the port of entry to the quality of personal care I received. As I got older, I realized everyone has different ideas of what they think a dentist is, based on their own experiences. I wanted to show people, those who had negative experiences like me, that a dentist can be good. I see quality oral health care as necessary for everyone, and I want to be a part of the impact on their quality of life when they have good oral health.

Why is the Hunt School of Dental Medicine the best place for you?

Attending the Hunt School of Dental Medicine has a lot to do with the community. This is my city. If there’s anyone who can understand the community, it’s someone like me who has lived here my whole life. I know how unique and special it is, and I see the need out there.

How does it feel to be part of the inaugural class at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine?

Being accepted is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. We are history in the making, and the excitement we see when we share the school with others in the community is energizing. From the moment I applied, I knew the Hunt School of Dental Medicine was the school for me, and I’ll be able to see the impact we’ll have as the inaugural class for decades.

What kind of impact do you hope to have on the community as a dental student at the Hunt School of Dental Medicine? And after?

I want to have a positive impact on every patient I meet. I want to change the way people think about the dentist and oral health. I hope that when I care for a patient, they’ll become excited about seeing a dentist.

Do you have any mentors who have helped you along the way?

I’ve received so much support. I participated in public health research with Cameron Jeter, Ph.D., at the UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston, and I shadowed Scott Perkins, D.D.S., at Bliss Dentistry here in El Paso. James Salvador, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Chemistry Department at UTEP, was also a big part of my journey to dental school. Of course, my parents have helped me all along the way.

Have you received any life-changing support you would like to mention?

I’m a recipient of the GECU Foundation Scholarship. It was a blessing and huge support for me. I learned I received the scholarship at the exact moment I learned I was accepted into the school. I won’t ever forget that moment.

Where do you see yourself five years after you complete dental school?

I’ll stay in the area and help the community. I love El Paso, and I feel like I owe the city back for what it’s done for me over the years.