Keeping it personal
When Anthony Jaramillo was in third grade, he completed an assignment in which he interviewed his parents about their jobs and the work they did each day. His mother was a registered nurse, and his father was a general dentist. Through learning about their careers and the work they did each day, he was inspired by his father and began to think that he too wanted to become a dentist when he grew up.
His father, Carlos Jaramillo, DDS, graduated from UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 1988. He spent time as a naval dentist before opening his own practice in Portland, Texas in 2001. Anthony grew up around dentistry, and long before he understood the complexities of dental school or private practice, he understood that what his father did was meaningful work.
The Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program (SPEP) at Texas A&M School of Dentistry, which Anthony attended in 2015, sealed the deal. Six weeks of hands-on experience showed him what dentistry actually looked like in practice. "It was an amazing experience," he says. "That’s when I knew for sure."
When it came time to apply to dental school, the choice to attend UT Health San Antonio felt inevitable. His father had succeeded here. The school had a reputation for producing confident clinicians. His parents were originally from San Antonio, and extended family remained in the area. He had a support system waiting. "It was clear that San Antonio produced great dentists," he explains. "I also appreciated the connection to other health sciences within the institution. That crossover between different disciplines on the same campus is something other schools didn’t have."
Dental education and mentorship
During his time as a dental student, Dr. Jaramillo found mentors who shaped the way he thinks about his profession. Jon Dossett, DMD, stands out as a key influence. The two developed a strong mentoring relationship in what was then Group 7, and Dossett's support extended beyond the clinical setting. Daniel Lavin, DDS; Mark Littlestar, DDS; and Scott Stafford, DDS, also became important clinical and personal advisors. "I could go to any of them for help with a case, or even for personal advice," he recalls.
After graduating in 2021 and meeting other dentists, Dr. Jaramillo realized another advantage of attending UT Health San Antonio; he had received more hands-on and advanced clinical experience. "Talking to other dentists who went to different schools, it's clear that our predoctoral students have more clinical experience and exposure to advanced cases," he says. "Coming out of UT Health San Antonio, graduates are more confident in their clinical skills."
Building a practice around relationships
Five years ago, Dr. Jaramillo joined All Smiles Dental Center in San Antonio and is now a partner dentist. It's a large family-owned practice, which was important to him. He deliberately stepped away from larger corporate models to seek mentorship and guidance as he transitioned into private practice. "I wanted someone I could learn from," he says. "That was important to me."
The patient population he now serves is driven to preserve their natural teeth, which he appreciates. This allows him to do more education, preventive care and restorative work for his patients.
His practice philosophy is straightforward, where he educates patients so they can make informed decisions about their own care. "I have always been driven to educate the patient to make their best oral health decision," he says. "I never want the technology or the procedures to overshadow the connection and relationship with patients." Even as technology advances, he believes personalization matters most. The relationship comes first.
This year, Dr. Jaramillo was elected as president of the San Antonio Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). His mentor, Dr. Dossett, who now serves at the state level, encouraged him to take the position. The recognition reflects both his standing in the profession and his commitment to leadership. Dr. Jaramillo has also been recognized by AGD with three nominations for the Texas New Dentist of the Year award and has earned a spot on AGD's Ten Dentists to Watch list, gaining national recognition.
Giving back
What drives Dr. Jaramillo's continued connection to the School of Dentistry is the desire to give back. "The connections and the people who helped set me up," he explains, "I want to do the same for others." While a third- and fourth-year dental student, he participated in interviews for DDS program applicants. After graduation, he has become someone current students and recent graduates turn to for guidance.
Dr. Jaramillo offers advice to students and new graduates: "Slow down and understand you aren't behind. Don't compare yourself to others and enjoy the stage of life that you are at." He emphasizes that rushing through procedures, or through life, gets you nowhere. "Quality is more important than quantity. I always do the best quality I can at everything I do."
He is realistic about the profession. "We are human. We aren't perfect. Go home knowing you did your very best in the situation you are in. That's all you can do."
Dr. Jaramillo represents the school's mission in action. He is patient-centered, committed to his community and determined to lift others as he climbs. His path from third grade to leadership in his profession was shaped by mentors and guided by his education at UT San Antonio. Now, he is returning that favor.