Skip Navigation

Search Famous Puerto Ricans

Browse by last name.

1 people

Dr. Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas

1888–1932 · Adjuntas · Science • Dentistry

A distinguished military officer, dentist, and scientific researcher, Dr. Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas is best remembered for discovering the bacterium responsible for dental cavities. His groundbreaking work advanced the field of dentistry, and he remains the only Puerto Rican honored with a bust in Washington, D.C. for his scientific contributions.