Dr. Maria G. Caraballo is a dedicated dental educator, clinician, and mentor with more than 20 years of experience in dentistry and oral health education. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Universidad Santa María in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2001 and practiced preventive, restorative, and esthetic dentistry before transitioning to academia. Since joining the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2015, Dr. Caraballo has served as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dental Sciences. She is actively involved in pre-clinical and clinical education, mentoring students and residents while contributing to innovative programs that prepare the next generation of oral health professionals. She also serves as Co-Director of the University of Florida’s Restorative Functions Continuing Education Program. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Caraballo completed the University of Florida’s two-year Comprehensive Dental Program in 2024 and is currently pursuing Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). Dr. Caraballo has extensive experience working with dental auxiliaries, dental hygiene students, and dental therapists. She contributed to the development of the curriculum for the dəxʷxayəbus Washington Dental Therapy Education Program (WDTEP) and serves as both a pre-clinical and clinical instructor. In 2026, she joined the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium as a pre-clinical instructor at Iḷisaġvik College, further advancing her commitment to educating providers who serve rural and underserved communities. A recognized educator in dental ergonomics and four-handed dentistry, Dr. Caraballo is passionate about enhancing clinical efficiency, patient care, and provider well-being. Her scholarly interests include caries prevention, diabetes-related oral health, chronic pain, and dental erosion. Through her teaching, mentorship, and service, Dr. Caraballo remains committed to advancing oral health education and inspiring the next generation of dental providers to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.