Dr. Juan Castro

I grew up in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, a large, vibrant, and diverse city. Colombia’s cultural variety is reflected in everything: food, landscapes, and traditions. I come from a big family with six siblings, and my childhood was full of outdoor adventures. We spent weekends at our family ranch, playing in nature and learning to value simple joys.

Playing medieval soldiers with my older brother. We built wooden swords, shields, bows, and arrows inspired by The Lord of the Rings.

Spider-Man. He was young, funny, and brave – a hero in the city who used his power responsibly. I admired that sense of duty and humor.

I discovered that dentistry requires continuous learning and specialization. To provide excellent care, one must go beyond general training, deepen clinical knowledge, and stay updated. Continuing education allows us to serve patients better and grow professionally.

Business administration. I’ve always been interested in management and strategy. That mindset has helped me integrate the clinical and administrative sides of dentistry. Now, pursuing an MBA has allowed me to find a balance between science, leadership, and organization.

The University of Iowa has one of the strongest and most comprehensive programs in oral and maxillofacial radiology. I wanted to challenge myself and receive the best possible training, and I did. It shaped not only my professional path, but also my perspective on education and mentorship.

The contrast. Coming from Bogotá, a bustling, multicultural city, to a smaller, university town like Iowa City was a big change. The distances, the quieter rhythm, and the limited cultural options surprised me at first, but it helped me focus on my goals and appreciate community life.

Each experience taught me something essential. In the Air Force, I learned independence and decision-making as the only dentist on the base. In private practice, I developed clinical and administrative skills while managing multiple imaging centers. In academia, I transitioned from a student role to faculty – a humbling and transformative experience that taught me how to share knowledge with empathy and purpose.

Technology is advancing quickly. In CBCT, we’re seeing continuous improvements in detectors and X-ray sources that will produce higher-quality images with lower radiation doses. In MRI, new coils specifically designed for the oral and maxillofacial region are emerging. While this technology still has limited availability, some institutions already have dedicated equipment that allows for detailed dental imaging without ionizing radiation. And in artificial intelligence, progress is happening daily. Machine learning systems are becoming increasingly capable of detecting specific findings on radiographs. Yet, interpretation still requires the expertise of radiologists. AI provides support, but it doesn’t replace human judgment. It’s a complex and fascinating collaboration.

To believe in what you can become, and believe in your own potential. That advice came from my wife and it changed how I approach everything. Confidence, effort, and believing in yourself make all the difference.

I've always believed that oral and maxillofacial radiology is a bridge between technology and patient care. Whether it's in the U.S., Colombia, or anywhere in the world, my goal is to contribute to advancing diagnostic imaging and to shape future professionals.

On a personal level, I’d love to travel more and explore the world with my wife, discovering new cultures, places, and perspectives together.