About Us

Florida Craniofacial Institute is a comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgical center. We use state-of-the-art x-ray equipment that delivers very low dose radiation, and is completely digital so we can email images to other doctors in our patients’ care. We use digital photography and document patient progress in our computerized database. Our surgical suites are completely outfitted with the most modern equipment for your safety and comfort.

Dr. Ricalde did her subspecialty training in pediatric craniofacial surgery. Her area of expertise is the management of children with facial differences, and jaw deformities. Even though all of our doctors have different backgrounds and different subspecialty training, we believe there are no shortcuts when it comes to training and education. Any doctor who performs surgery in the mouth or face needs to be trained with dental, medical, and surgical knowledge and have experience in managing complications that may arise from those conditions.

Florida Craniofacial Institute is proud to be affiliated with the Tampa Bay Cleft and Craniofacial Center. The TBCCC provides a specialized, interdisciplinary and family-centered approach to treat patients with facial differences from birth into adulthood.  Tampa Bay Cleft and Craniofacial Center team is organized to take care of your child’s medical psychosocial and surgical needs. Learn more by visiting: flcleft.com. The TBCCC is listed as an ACPA Approved Team by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Assoication (ACPA).

Tampa Bay Cleft and Craniofacial Center is supported by Every Smile Has A Story. We are a non-profit team.

Fellow

At Florida Craniofacial Institute, our Fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery is directed by Dr. Pat Ricalde —an internationally recognized expert in pediatric craniofacial care who completed her fellowship under Dr. Jeffrey C. Posnick. This rigorous one-year program immerses the fellow in a fast-paced clinical environment with high volume pediatric cleft and craniomaxillofacial procedures. Fellows gain exceptional hands-on surgical experience, research opportunities, and leadership training all within our state-of-the-art facilities and team-oriented setting.

Aparna Bhat, DMD, MD

Aparna Bhat, DMD, MD is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with an interest in cleft and craniofacial surgery. Originally from California, Dr. Bhat completed her undergraduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned her dental degree from the University of New England, followed by her medical degree and oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Washington.

Dr. Bhat is advancing her expertise as a pediatric cleft/craniofacial surgery fellow at the Florida Craniofacial Institute, where she focuses on the comprehensive surgical management of craniofacial anomalies in children. Dr. Bhat is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and is passionate about improving long-term outcomes for her pediatric patients through both surgical excellence and collaborative care.

We are contracted with most insurance plans and our staff will assist with complicated insurance issues to ensure any financial obligations are minimized. Dr. Ricalde and the Florida Craniofacial Institute team also firmly believe in minimizing unnecessary tests and procedures, decreasing risks and costs of care. We are proud to be a team here at Florida Craniofacial Institute and look forward to meeting you or your loved one.

Our office is centrally located in Tampa, Florida, near Raymond James Stadium and St. Joseph’s Hospital, with easy access off of I-275. Our second office is located in Clearwater, Florida off Ulmerton Road.  We welcome you to come visit our state-of-the-art facility.

Tampa

Clearwater

FCI Exterior Office