HISTORY

Every Smile Has A Story is an organization that has been founded to increase understanding and awareness for people with facial differences. Cleft lip and palate has now become the most common live birth defect. There are over 340 syndromes that include cleft lip and palate. Children with this condition have difficulty feeding, speaking, and are at risk for psychological problems including depression and self-esteem issues. Often their families are ill-prepared for their arrival. Although medical insurance covers the costs of surgery, there are huge gaps in coverage for many of the specialty items these children will need. This includes special feeding systems, bottles, transportation to and from multiple medical appointments, and certain special medical and dental appliances that may be needed.

CONTACT US

info@everysmilehasastory.com
4200 N Armenia Ave. Ste 3 Tampa, FL 33607

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Pat Ricalde is from Ann Arbor, Michigan. After graduating magna cum laude from high school she received an academic scholarship to Eastern Michigan University. She attended dental school at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, graduating magna cum laude and receiving numerous performance awards to include: the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award, Nathan David Gold Memorial Award, and the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award. She was recognized by Who’s Who among students in American Universities and Colleges and has been inducted into the Gorgas Odontological Honor Society as well as the OKU Honorary Dental Society.Dr. Ricalde continued her education in Baltimore, first completing medical school, and then an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Maryland and Shock Trauma Center. Dr. Ricalde’s advanced training includes: dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, head/neck pathology, craniofacial trauma, and reconstructive surgery.

After finishing residency, she completed a fellowship with internationally renowned Dr. Jeffrey C. Posnick. Under his tutelage she received advanced training in the management of patients with cleft lip/palate, dentofacial malformations, pediatric craniofacial deformities, and facial aesthetic surgery. Dr. Ricalde is the author of numerous publications and book chapters. She lectures both nationally and internationally on the subject of pediatric craniofacial surgery. She is the lead investigator in research projects to improve surgical care for patients, and maintains academic affiliations in order to educate future maxillofacial and craniofacial surgeons.Dr. Ricalde has volunteered with many international non-profit organizations dedicated to providing surgical assistance to less fortunate patients with cleft lip/ palate anomalies. She is the Founder and Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, and holds privileges at most area hospitals. Dr. Ricalde is dedicated to providing quality care to patients, especially to those with special needs.

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