Bringing Back Smiles: The Power Couple Transforming Faces and Lives
Pune, 19th June 2025: In the heart of Pune, behind the walls of surgical theaters and clinic rooms, two extraordinary doctors have made it their life’s mission to rebuild more than just bone and tissue—they rebuild hope. Dr. Rajat Bhende, a highly skilled Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, and Dr. Priyadarshini Banerjee, an expert in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, are a power couple redefining how healing and artistry come together in the world of facial surgery.
Their work spans the entire spectrum—from complex trauma reconstruction to birth defects like cleft lip and palate, treating head and neck cancers to restoring dental harmony. Together, they’ve become the trusted name for those seeking not only medical expertise but compassionate care that acknowledges the emotional trauma behind facial deformities and disfigurements.
From Med School to Mission
Dr. Bhende began his journey as a top-ranking graduate from RGUHS, Bangalore, further specializing in an MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune. With a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology from HCG Manavata Cancer Hospital, Nashik, and international certifications including BLS and ACLS instruction from the American Heart Association, his credentials are as impressive as his clinical accomplishments.
But it is not just about degrees—it’s about impact. His surgical repertoire spans minor oral surgeries, TMJ disorders, reconstructive trauma procedures, benign jaw tumors, and intricate head and neck cancer resections. He has performed over 1000 surgeries at this age. Complimenting his skills, Dr. Priyadarshini Banerjee brings a perfect blend of clinical precision and aesthetic vision, offering patients not just treatment but transformation.
Healing Beyond the Physical
Facial disfigurement, whether caused by accident, cancer, or congenital issues, often affects a patient’s psychological and social well-being as much as their physical health. “We aren’t just treating faces, we’re restoring confidence and identity,” says Dr. Bhende. “For many, especially young patients, the ability to smile without shame or eat without pain is life-changing.”
The couple often works together on cases requiring both structural correction and cosmetic refinement—proving that collaboration between surgical and dental disciplines can yield extraordinary results.
An Integrated Approach to Complex Problems
Their approach is not limited to the operating table. The duo invests time in pre-operative counselling, psychological support, and long-term follow-ups, ensuring that patients and their families are supported throughout the recovery journey. With a strong emphasis on safety, they bring world-class standards to every procedure—equipped with emergency medical training, advanced surgical tools, and an ethos of continuous learning.
Their clinic sees a wide variety of patients—while children with cleft palate are the most common, accident survivors with shattered jaws, models seeking aesthetic refinement, and cancer patients needing extensive reconstructive surgery reach their doors with hope. Each patient is treated with the same level of respect, patience, and dedication.
Partners in Purpose
What makes their journey truly unique is how they’ve brought their professional synergy into their personal lives. “It helps when you have a partner who understands the intensity and responsibility of this job,” Dr. Banerjee shares. “We often brainstorm cases together, celebrate each small milestone, and support each other when things get tough.”
In a world where healthcare can sometimes feel transactional, Dr. Bhende and Dr. Banerjee are proof that compassion, skill, and teamwork can create magic. Their clinic isn’t just a space for procedures—it’s a judgement free sanctuary where healing happens, stories are rewritten, and smiles are reborn.
