Clinician & Author – Harlingen, TX

Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?

Dr. Guillen was born in Brownsville, TX but spent his formative years living across the river in Matamoros, Tamaulipas with his family. The memories are still so fresh in his mind that it could have been yesterday! His father worked in Brownsville as an air conditioning technician and his mom stayed home to care for the children. It eventually became necessary for her to open a small, family-owned store to make some extra money. Both of his parents labored very hard, and he promised himself that one day he was going to become “someone” who could provide them with plenty of financial assistance.

That burning desire followed Dr. Guillen everywhere like a shadow, and after graduating from high school, he initially pursued a career in radiologic technology. Moving to Sherman with his wife, he made friends with a local dentist and soon after realized that oral healthcare was what he should study. He liked the idea of being able to not only interact directly with others each day through his career, but also help them with their dental needs. Graduating in 1992 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery was an amazing accomplishment and the culmination of his long-ago goal! Today, with God’s grace, he has been able to help his beautiful mother and pay back all of the goodness and love he received as a child.

Where Did You Study Dentistry?

Dr. Guillen achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1992 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Since then, he has pursued a great deal of continuing education to further expand his clinical skillset. In particular, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has been helping patients manage the life-threatening medical condition known as sleep apnea for five years and counting.

Dr. Guillen has studied TMJ disorder/oral appliance therapy through Spencer Study Club, dental implant restoration through the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and orthodontics for children and adults with Rondeau Seminars. In addition to the AADSM, he is also a part of the following organizations:

• American Dental Association
• Texas Dental Association
• Rio Grande Valley Dental Society

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

Dr. Guillen is happily married to his beautiful wife Mary, who used to be his dental assistant. They have two grown children named Teresa and Ryan, as well as several dogs and cats. As for personal hobbies, he has always loved sports and exercising! He was an avid cyclist up until recently, participating in events like the MS150 and Century Rides. He hopes to start his cycling training anew in the new future and also regularly exercises at home to stay in shape. He also spends his time reading, fishing, meditating, traveling, and hanging out with loved ones. He adores his wife’s company, and they work hard on making each day feel like the very first day they met all over again.