Bridging the Gap Through Smiles

by Cat Adduci

Setting the standard for excellence in oral surgery, Dr. Wayne J. Saunders began The Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery over 15 years ago as a solo practice.  Now known as St. Luke’s OMS, the practice has grown to a twelve-doctor practice with four locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, and a new location in Stroudsburg, PA.  Still, the largest practice in the area, St. Luke’s OMS continues to be the most innovative.  The practice is proud to announce the addition of not only the area’s first and only female oral surgeon but also the first Latina and Spanish speaking surgeon – Dr. Veronica Barreto!

“I feel honored that I was given the opportunity to be the first female oral surgeon in the area,”  states Dr. Barreto.  “I can understand being a female in a male-dominated specialty can come with its own sets of challenges and preconceived notions, but I embrace those challenges with warmth and laughter.”

Dr. Barreto received her dental degree from the Maurie H. Kornberg school of dentistry in Philadelphia, PA where she graduated magna cum laude, then completing her residency training at Temple University Hospital.  She was the recipient of several awards including American Academy of Pediatric Dentists Predoctoral Student Award,  the American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award and the Edward B. and Arnold R. Cook Prize in Children’s Dentistry.  During her dental school training, she also volunteered abroad, providing dental care and oral health awareness to the underserved populations in Costa Rica and Panama.

“Barreto is the perfect addition to the practice,” states Dr. Saunders, founder and managing partner of St. Luke’s OMS.   “Aside from being a clearly skilled surgeon, myself and the other doctors are happy to have not only a skilled female surgeon alongside us but also someone who is able to speak Spanish.  Barreto not only is a great doctor, but she embodies the spirit of the practice with her philanthropic background.  Giving back to the community is a large part of what we do, and I have no doubt she will help us continue that mission.”

Barreto hopes to inspire others with her career choice and new position.  “I hope that being a surgeon and a female will help to break barriers and set an example for other aspiring amazing women to join this highly rewarding profession,” Barreto proudly exclaims.  “I plan to offer patients the utmost care just like any one of our doctors at St. Luke’s OMS would provide, and I know that being a female is just the icing on the cake!”
Dr. Barreto and the other St. Luke’s OMS surgeons offer a full range of oral and facial procedures.   The mission of all surgeons at St. Luke’s OMS is to provide patients with affordable, high-quality, state-of-the-art care in a gentle, safe and secure environment.

For more information on Dr. Veonica Barreto or any of the other St. Luke’s OMS Surgeons, please call 610.865.8077, or visit StLukesOMS.com.

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