Doctor Cesar Cruz says he's living the American dream. Originally from Mexico, Cruz grew up there, got his dental training there--and ran a successful dental practice there. His parents had moved to America years ago, and had applied for residency for their son.

By the time the paperwork went through--ten years later—Dr. Cruz was faced a tough decision.

(Dr. Cesar Cruz, Dentist) “So it was a chance for me to join my family, but on the other side it was hard for me, because I knew I couldn't practice in this country.”

Dr. Cruz passed his national boards, and came to Arkansas because of a pilot program that was certifying foreign-trained dentists--something that few states now do.

Dr. Cruz says about 60% of his patients in Arkansas are Hispanic, and they appreciate his background and ability to communicate.

(Cruz) “They certainly feel a lot of comfort going to someone who can understand them rather than being translated. They feel that something is missing there.”

For Dr. Cruz, living the American dream is not just about having a family, job, and home--it's also about being able to help others.

(Cruz) “To be able to serve the community--be able to feel that you actually have a place in the society and you helped somebody.”

Dr. Cruz is also in charge of a community dental clinic at St. Vincent's Hospital.

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