Meet Dr. Claudia Vargas

Dr. Vargas was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but grew up in Santiago, Chile. She loved nature, science, and watching National Geographic programs as a child. Dr. Vargas’ love of science and working with her hands motivated her to become a dentist. Her father was in the Chilean Air Force, and her mother worked in her grandfather’s small business. Eventually, Dr. Vargas’ parents owned a business, and she worked small jobs for her grandfather and parents. Her dream became to own a dental practice.

As the first three family members to complete college, Dr. Vargas and her sisters pursued healthcare careers. After completing dental school, at age 26, Dr. Vargas came to the U.S. to visit her childhood friend, Andres, whom she met at age three in a neighborhood daycare center. Dr. Vargas’ U.S. vacation led to a permanent stay, and she and Andres eventually married.

Although Dr. Vargas completed dental school at Universidad Andres Bello in Chile, she had to attend dental school again in the U.S. to practice dentistry here. She is proud of her journey—learning a language she did not know except through American movies and taking exams and Boards while attending the University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (UTHSCSA)–one of the premier dental schools in the country. After graduating, Dr. Vargas completed a Residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at UTHSCSA.