Red Square Dental & Orthodontics is honored to participate in the 2026 Día de los Muertos Altars Community Exhibition at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS).
In recognition of this year’s theme, “Awe-Inspiring Advocates,” our altar celebrates Margarita Chorné y Salazar—a pioneering Mexican dentist whose determination helped open professional and educational doors for generations of women.
Mexico’s First Woman Dentist
Margarita Chorné y Salazar was born in Mexico City in 1864. Her father and brother operated a respected dental practice, where she developed an interest in dentistry and began learning through observation, hands-on experience, and extensive reading.
At the time, women had very limited access to higher education and were largely excluded from professional careers. Margarita refused to let those expectations determine her future.
On January 18, 1886, at only 21 years old, she completed her professional examination before a panel at Mexico’s National School of Medicine. She became the first woman recognized as a professional dentist in Mexico and is widely regarded as the first woman in Latin America to receive an official professional title.
A Legacy Larger Than Dentistry
Why Red Square Dental & Orthodontics Chose to Honor Her
As a dental organization serving families throughout the Rio Grande Valley, we felt a meaningful connection to Margarita’s story. Her life brings together dentistry, Mexican heritage, education, courage, and service to others.
She reminds us that progress in healthcare is not only about developing new tools and treatments. It is also about ensuring that people have the opportunity to learn, lead, and use their talents to serve their communities.
About Our Altar
Día de los Muertos altars keep memories alive through photographs, flowers, light, meaningful objects, and stories shared between generations.
Our altar combines these traditions with symbols of dentistry, education, and the many women whose opportunities were expanded by Margarita’s accomplishments. As you explore the altar, we invite you to look beyond the individual objects and consider everything her courage helped make possible.
Every woman who enters a once-closed classroom, every student who pursues a career in healthcare, and every patient cared for by those professionals is part of Margarita Chorné y Salazar’s continuing legacy.
Visit the Exhibition
The 2026 Día de los Muertos Altars Community Exhibition will be on view in the Welcome Pavilion at IMAS from September 30 through November 1, 2026.
The Día de los Muertos Festival & Market will take place Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibitions and community altars are included with general admission.
International Museum of Art & Science
1900 W. Nolana Ave.
McAllen, Texas 78504
Red Square Dental & Orthodontics is grateful to IMAS for giving organizations throughout the Rio Grande Valley an opportunity to share these important stories. We hope our altar encourages visitors of every age to remember Margarita Chorné y Salazar—not only as Mexico’s first woman dentist, but as a woman whose courage helped create a better future for those who followed.
