Dr. Patricia Becerra is one of the top dentists in the Rio Grande Valley community, however, her name and the way she handles her patients has grown her reputation globally!
Dr. Becerra grew up in Caracas, Venezuela where she received her Dental degree from Santa Maria University. It was once she studied at Loma Linda University in California where she received her extensive training in esthetic dentistry, prosthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and especially in pediatric dentistry. After striving in her field, Dr. Becerra earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and became a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Looking to even further her dental knowledge, Dr. Becerra expanded her reach by learning the art of oral conscious sedation in Dallas, Texas and now works in the Rio Grande Valley.
The Levity Ball caught up & got our teeth checked with the Dr. to find out more about her profession and what makes her so amazing at what she does…
When did you first decide you wanted to get into dentistry?
I decided when I was 5 years old. At that age it was the first time my mom took me to the dentist and I was so happy and amazed by their work that I told my mom, “I want to be a Dentist when I grow up!” She laughed and everybody else did too, but I never change my mind.
You are known for being a well-trained Dentist in the field of moderate oral conscious sedation… Can you explain to those who may not know what “oral conscious sedation” is?
Oral conscious sedation is a medical procedure that involves the administration of oral sedative drugs, like for example, Midazolam, Benadryl, Triazolam, etc., which will facilitate a dental procedure and reduce patients fear and anxiety related to past experience.
You also work with a lot of special needs children… Is this a difficult task?
Yes, it’s a task that requires a lot of patience and as the word says they are SPECIAL; they need to be treated with care and love. They are definitely scared when they come to the dentist, and my goal is to make them feel comfortable and secure. It is a very rewarding feeling when they get to trust you, and they finish their visit by giving you a hug or a kiss. Such sweet kids!
What do you feel is the hardest part of your daily job?
The hardest part is when I have to do a dental procedure which I’m not happy with, like for example a young patient comes in and needs a root canal treatment, and due to financial reasons decides to extract instead of saving it. That’s really hard.
How many times a year do you recommend people (kids and adults) go see a dentist on average?
I would recommend every 6 months for kids and adults with good oral hygiene. Otherwise, if they are periodontally compromised they should come every 3-4 months for maintenance.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
To never give up, if you have a dream go for it.
What is your personal advice to others looking at getting into dentistry?
First, I would recommend going to a dentist office and shadow for at least a week in order to make a wise decision. Dentistry is a beautiful, challenging, rewarding career that needs a lot of dedication and patience. You will have stressful days, but don’t get frustrated, if you really love it go for it, it’s worth it.
Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
I see myself back in school; I still have a goal in mind, which is to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered by each and every smile I drew on a child’s face, by the happiness I entered to a mother’s heart, and by the peace that is spread into a father’s mind.
What is your favorite junk food / snack?
Sour gummy bears, which are bad for my teeth, but I like them! 🙂
