A lifelong learner, Anette Vistoso Monreal has always sought out training opportunities which could broaden her knowledge and develop her skills.
Dr. Monreal received her DDS from Universidad de Chile in 2013. Her passion for community service and academic leadership began in dental school where she was involved in several projects as president and founder of the first national scientific society of dental students in Chile. One of the most important projects she worked on was based on developing preventive oral educational programs that gave her the impetus to start research into new community measures for low-income children in need of dental care. This project was funded by the government and because of the significant outcomes, it was adopted as a community measure in many elementary schools.
Dr. Monreal’s interest in oral medicine and orofacial pain began during her prosthodontics residency where she wanted to know more about the musculoskeletal system and the impact on patient treatment and outcomes. Fascinated by the prospect of improving the diagnosis process of neuropathic conditions and certain oral lesions, she sought out advanced training in the United States, entering a Master’s Program in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at the University of Southern California. She focused her thesis on the study of orofacial pain diagnoses and the development of algorithms that can help predict diagnosis. Clinical training in orofacial pain at the University of Southern California was the next logical step and only further exposed her to the benefits of multi-disciplinary training with a broad range of specialists. She completed this training in 2021.
After years of training in orofacial pain with an emphasis in oral medicine, Dr. Monreal has now focused on sharpening her skills in oral medicine to deepen and expand her knowledge and serve a diverse population. A PGY 1 resident, she is looking forward to training again in a multi-disciplinary environment which is so critical to helping her achieve the best care for her patients.
