BIMS graduates conquer dental school Two top-ranking students have more in common than strong study prowess

Patrick and Austin Hodges graduated number three and number five, respectively, from Tascosa High School in Amarillo, Texas. So perhaps it is no surprise that the identical twins would graduate number one and number two in their dental class at the Texas A&M University Health Science Center in 2014.

Patrick and Austin Hodges (Photo courtesy of the Texas A&M Health Science Center)Before pursuing dental studies at Texas A&M University, the Hodges twins majored in biomedical sciences at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). Both graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and in July both started the graduate orthodontics program at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry.

“If you ask anyone, it is obvious that Austin and I have a friendly competitiveness between us,” said Patrick. “This has definitely helped us to do as well in school and many other things, whether it’s sports, board games, or cards.”

The twins appear to be inseparable, but when it comes to studying they must retreat to separate rooms and only take breaks to ask each other questions about the material. “When they study, they’re focused,” said classmate and friend Anne Lindley. “No one can go over there and study with them. I have to text both of them to ask questions.”

Back on campus, other classmates and faculty alike seek the twins for their input. “They are smart, naturally, but they have two brilliant minds to collaborate,” said Lindley. “They help students in our class all the time. They go above and beyond for other people.”

Dr. Robert Spears, professor in biomedical sciences at the CVM, was an instructor to the brothers during their first year as undergraduates and has worked with them on several occasions. “Every year someone is going to be top of the class, second of the class. But what distinguishes them is they work really hard, and they’re just innately talented as well,” said Spears. “Both of those young men help everybody. It’s almost like they’re instructors in the class-they’re that good, that knowledgeable.”

Dr. Amp Miller, professor in restorative sciences, taught the brothers fixed prosthodontics during clinical labs at the Health Science Center and now turns to them as a resource. “I always have had a high regard for their perception of things and the way they approach the whole educational process,” said Miller.

The good news of the brothers’ graduating rank likely didn’t come as a shock to their parents, who promptly took their sons to a celebratory steak dinner. “Our parents have always supported us and have been our biggest fans throughout our academic career,” said Austin.

Many wonder what will be the next adventure for the Hodges twins after they complete their orthodontic studies at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. Perhaps time will tell if a joint venture in Hodges & Hodges Orthodontics shows up in Amarillo.


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