SAN FRANCISCO – June 15, 2024 – Rotaplast International is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Maureen Valley, DMD, MPH, MS, as the new Director of Dental Services. Dr. Valley brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for humanitarian work, particularly in the field of orthodontics for cleft lip and palate patients.
Having grown up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Valley’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in dental and public health spheres is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and Midwestern work ethic. Her academic journey took her to prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and Northwestern University, where she earned her Doctorate of Medical Dentistry degree (cum laude), Master of Public Health degree, and Master of Science in Orthodontics.
Dr. Valley’s interest in cleft lip and palate treatment was ignited during her dental school days, inspired by presentations from Dr. Carla Evans. Her doctoral thesis at Harvard University and subsequent research focused on understanding and addressing craniofacial anomalies, laying the foundation for her impactful career.
During her tenure as an Associate Professor at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Dr. Valley encountered her mentors, including Dr. Marie Tolarova, who introduced her to Rotaplast. Since her first mission with Rotaplast to Banepa, Nepal in 2009, Dr. Valley’s passion for humanitarian work has only deepened. She has since participated in several missions, including Can Tho, Vietnam, and Cumana, Venezuela.
In addition to her work with Rotaplast, Dr. Valley has participated in various humanitarian initiatives, including the Kenya Smiles Vocational Training Team with Rotary International and the Loitokitok Oral Health Project in Kenya. She is also the founder of 1World1Tribe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian projects in Kenya, Burma, and Albania.
Dr. Valley’s extensive experience, coupled with her commitment to serving underserved communities, makes her an invaluable addition to Rotaplast International. In her new role as Director of Dental Services, Dr. Valley will lead efforts to provide life-changing dental care to individuals with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies around the world.
“I am deeply honored to join Rotaplast International as the Director of Dental Services,” said Dr. Valley. “My journey in dentistry and public health has been guided by a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am excited to collaborate with the dedicated team at Rotaplast to bring smiles and hope to individuals in need.”
Dr. Valley’s appointment is effective immediately, and Rotaplast International looks forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in her new role.
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ABOUT ROTAPLAST INTERNATIONAL
Rotaplast International, Inc. is committed to helping children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate, burn scarring, and other deformities. Working with local professionals, Rotarians, and other organizations, Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of these children. Rotaplast supports education and research towards prevention of cleft lip and/or palate. Our aim is to help local professionals build sustainable models for the care of these children, improving their lives and those of their families. Rotaplast International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, humanitarian organization. Learn more at www.rotaplast.org.
Media Contact:
Sue Lowe | 415-523-2396 | sue@rotaplast.org
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