Hello, my name is Kayla Strocchio, and I am a sophomore at the University of South Florida studying Biomedical Sciences on the pre-dental track. I chose the topic of Oral Health and Speech Development because of my passion for dentistry and its direct impact on communication. Oral structures such as teeth, tongue, and palate are critical for clear speech, and when oral health is neglected or medical issues go untreated, it can significantly impact a person’s ability to communicate effectively.

In the Tampa Bay area, many families face cultural and financial challenges that make it harder to get both dental and speech services. By focusing on this issue, I want to shine a light on how closely oral health and communication are connected. My goal is to share resources that can help families, teachers, dentists, and speech-language pathologists work together to support healthier smiles and stronger voices in our community.