Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
With more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, one of South Texas College’s newest faculty members, Janis Lopez, is leading a groundbreaking effort to bring Hidalgo County its first-ever Dental Hygiene program.
Set to start fall 2026, the program will transform local access to oral health education and open the door to a high-demand, high-paying career, giving aspiring dental professionals the opportunity to train and thrive without leaving home.
“We live in what I call a dental education desert, the nearest opportunities are more than an hour away. I know, because that’s the drive I had to make when I chose this path,” Lopez said. “But the demand is here. The jobs are here. We’re building a pathway for those ready to take on a challenging program, earn their education close to home and stay to serve their community.”
Raised in McAllen, Lopez is currently laying the groundwork for a five-semester program aimed at earning full accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), allowing future students to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene.
“CODA sets strict standards for everything, from faculty to equipment,” Lopez explained. “We’re in the early stages of building a program that meets those expectations, so students here in Hidalgo County have the opportunity to graduate fully prepared, licensed and certified to enter this wonderful profession.”
Lopez has worked as a dental hygienist for the last two decades, but her journey in dentistry began back in high school, when undergoing extensive orthodontic treatment first sparked her interest in the field.
“My mom had to go to work, so she’d take me out of school and drop me off at the orthodontist until it was time for my appointment,” she said. “I’d sit in the waiting room for hours, just watching everything they did. That’s when I started getting curious about teeth.”
When she moved to Austin to pursue a degree in Education, she began working at the front desk of a dental clinic, an experience that marked the beginning of a long and fulfilling career in dentistry.
“I would step in whenever someone was out, assisting wherever I could and that’s when it clicked. I realized my heart was in dentistry so I changed my major,” she said. “Since then, I’ve done it all—from front desk, insurance and scheduling to assisting dentists and orthodontists. I graduated as a dental hygienist in 2003, but I’ve actually been in dentistry since the ’90s.”
Today, with a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and a master’s degree in Health Sciences, Lopez was thrilled to learn that STC was launching the program and immediately jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it.
“I read about it in an online newspaper and thought, ‘It’s finally happening—it’s closer to home,’” she said. “I had already been working as a clinical instructor away from home, and many of my students were from Hidalgo or Starr County, traveling long distances to pursue this career. I was surprised and honored not just to be part of this opportunity, but to help build it from the ground up.”
With a median hourly wage of $45.32 for dental hygienists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lopez said the launch of the new program will significantly impact the region’s economy by expanding opportunities not only for students, but for the community.
“Aside from creating a program, we’re also building a campus clinic that will eventually open to the public for cleanings and other essential services,” she said. “There’s a real need for more dental hygienists in our region and this program is a step toward meeting that demand. Hygienists play a key role in prevention and education and that work helps support healthier communities.”
She further explained that dental hygienists are trained to perform comprehensive cleanings, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, provide preventative care such as fluoride treatments and sealants and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, services that are essential to long-term health and often reduce the need for more costly dental procedures down the line.
“It’s a meaningful and rewarding career where we build genuine connections with the patients we care for,” she said. “We see them regularly, and because our focus is on prevention, they know we’re here to support their long-term health.”
Looking ahead, Lopez said she’s excited for the future and looks forward to sharing her expertise to help train the next generation of dental hygienists, especially in a community she proudly calls home.
“The idea is not just to launch this program, but to help it grow and thankfully, I’ve received so much support from both my colleagues in the industry and my new peers at STC,” she said. “From the moment I stepped into this role, everyone has been warm and welcoming, genuinely excited to offer this new opportunity. STC has a forward-thinking philosophy of doing more, expanding access and serving the community. I’m truly proud to be a part of that.”
For more information on STC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-3226.
Information source: STC
