“It is very important to provide the patients the optimum care and guide them in making an educated decision on their treatment.”
While volunteering with her mother, Dr. Aarathi Rao saw how head and neck facial deformities affect patients' lives. Through research, Rao decided on becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon would allow her the best avenue in helping those patients.
“I wanted to work with these patients to take care of them and make them confident and independent individuals by correcting their facial deformities," Dr. Rao said. “We can make a huge difference in lessening their struggles."
Rao sees patients with teeth pain, dental implants, dental infection, facial trauma, facial cosmetic procedures, including Botox, jaw correction surgery and sleep apnea surgery. She also sees patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, head and neck syndromes and oral and maxillofacial tumors.
“It can be stressful on people who need any surgery, so it is my goal to create an enjoyable experience and help make their lives better," Dr. Rao said.
Dr. Rao completed graduate school in India and completed her master's degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at SDM College of Dental Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. She also graduated from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota and completed her residency at University of Minnesota – Affiliated Hospitals. Rao continues to participate in mission trips to care for patients with cleft and craniofacial deformities.
In her spare time, she enjoys nature walks, music and kayaking.