Mariela Padilla DDS, MEd

Dr. Padilla started her academic career in 1990, as a full professor in Diagnostic Sciences and Orofacial Pain, initially at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and then at Latina Universidad. She obtained her DDS in 1989 at UCR, and in 1998 completed a Residency Program in Orofacial Pain at UCLA. In 2005, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Education and Curriculum Design. She was appointed as Dean of the Latin American University of Science and Technology’s School of Dentistry in 2005, and was part of the Academic Board until 2016.

Dr. Padilla started her clinical practice as a general dentist in 1990, and then dedicated herself solely to Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders. She has served as part of the Editorial Board of Odontvos, Idental, Journal of CCDCR, and she wrote a TMD Manual that is used as didactic material in Costa Rica. She has a particular commitment to underserved populations and is a member of the United Nation’s Online Volunteer team. She has coordinated professional volunteer groups to provide dental care to indigenous communities in Costa Rica and in Western Africa.