Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas,[note 1] (February 24, 1888 – October 21, 1932) was an odontologist (dentist), scientist and a Major in the U.S. Army who discovered the bacteria which causes dental caries.

After he graduated from high school, he applied and was accepted in the University of Puerto Rico where he took paramedic courses and earned his teachers certificate.

In 1910, Rodríguez Vargas applied and attended Georgetown University School of Dentistry, in Washington, D.C. where he earned his DDS degree in 1913.

[5] On February 18, 1921, Rodriguez Vargas was sent to Washington, D.C. and assigned to the Army Dental Corps where he continued his investigations in the field of bacteriology.

[4] On September 28, 1928, Rodriguez Vargas published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" his findings in the effectiveness of Iodine and other chemical agents as disinfectants of the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Rodríguez Vargas earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, in 1924 where he was an Associate Professor of Bacteriology in the School of Dentistry.

[6] Major Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas became ill with pneumonia and was hospitalized at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center for treatment.