Meet Dr. Rafael Palaganas | Meet the Staff | What Sets Us Apart?
Meet Dr. Rafael Palaganas
I am in a unique profession where I can truly change and help people’s lives in a positive way. I derive immense satisfaction from helping my patients, and am eager to know each one on a personal basis.
Education
In order to become a dentist, I attained the following certificates of education:
- BS, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX
- DDS, University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School, San Antonio
- Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency, University of Florida Dental School
Continuing Education
I attend a vast number and variety of continuing education courses that go well above and beyond the minimum requirements for licensure. This ensures that I provide the best possible care to my patients and stay up to date on all current procedures and advancements. I have attended a wide range of courses including the Dawson Academy, Ross Nash Esthetic Continuum, Seattle Study Club, and Scottsdale Center for Computerized Dentistry.
As a part of my continuing education, I am also an active member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association (WCDDA), and the Pinellas County Dental Association (PCDA), and am also currently serving as President of the Pinellas County Dental Association. For the last eight years, I have been serving as an Examiner and Monitor for the Florida State Dental Licensure Exam. These and other efforts of continuing education help me ensure that my patients are always taking advantage of the best dental services available today.
In the Practice
I have been making a difference in people’s lives and building lasting relationships with my patients for the past 15 years, and truly love what I do. I often get to change the perception of my patients from being fearful and uneducated about dentistry into being active participants in their care. I cherish the fact that my patients end up being like a part of my extended family! I care for each person who comes to visit me and appreciate that all patients are different with specific needs and goals for dental care.
We like to smile and have as many laughs as possible in our office! We are truly a team, and we have a warmth, camaraderie and respect for each other that can only translate into a caring environment for our patients. Every member of our team is focused on giving each of our patients 100% of their efforts to make their experience as positive as possible.
Family Life
I was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to the U.S. when I was only one year old. I have lived in Treasure Island for 11 years and am proud to raise my kids here! My wife, Michelle, and I have three children named Lauren, Jacqueline and Marco. I am an avid sports fan, and I especially like following our local teams — Go Rays, Bucs and Lightning! I am also a dedicated golfer, and have managed to get my handicap down into single digits!
I feel it is important to be active in our community and I have helped to provide dental services for 12 years for PARC, an organization that provides dental treatments for developmentally challenged kids and adults. I have also fully endowed a scholarship in honor of my mother, paying for full tuition at her alma mater, Mary Johnston College of Nursing in Manila, Philippines.