Every dentist has a story, but few have traveled as far—both literally and professionally—as Dr. Leia Porcaro. Her path from practicing dentistry in Brazil to leading Grateful Dental in Marietta represents more than a geographic move. It reflects a lifelong commitment to compassionate care, continuous learning, and a belief that every patient deserves to be treated as a whole person, not just a set of teeth.
Understanding Dr. Porcaro’s journey helps explain why patients throughout East Cobb and the greater Atlanta area have come to trust her with their families’ smiles. Her international training, public health experience, and personal dedication to excellence combine to create something special—a dental practice where clinical expertise meets genuine human connection.
A Foundation Built in Brazil
Dr. Porcaro’s dental career began at the University of Alfenas in Brazil, where she earned her degree in dentistry. But she didn’t stop there. Recognizing that beautiful smiles require both health and aesthetics, she pursued advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and completed an advanced degree in orthodontics—giving her a unique perspective on how form and function work together in the mouth.
Immediately after graduation, Dr. Porcaro opened her own private practice in Brazil, where she practiced for over eight years. Seven of those years included orthodontic treatment, giving her extensive hands-on experience straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. This combination of restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic expertise is rare, and it allows her to see the complete picture of each patient’s oral health.
Learning Compassion Through Public Service
What truly sets Dr. Porcaro apart is her dedication to serving others. While running her private practice, she simultaneously worked for the Government of Brazil, providing preventative dental care and treatment to underprivileged communities. This wasn’t a brief volunteer stint—it was a sustained commitment to helping people who might otherwise have no access to dental care.
In 2003, her reputation for excellence led to an appointment as Director of a clinic in Lorena, São Paulo, where she oversaw thirty-five dentists while continuing to operate her private practice. This clinic provided free dental care to low-income citizens, and Dr. Porcaro was responsible for ensuring that every patient received the same quality of care regardless of their ability to pay.
These experiences fundamentally shaped her approach to dentistry. She learned that dental anxiety often stems from past negative experiences or lack of access to care. She discovered that taking time to listen—really listen—to patient concerns transforms the dental experience. And she developed the exceptional skills that come from treating thousands of patients with diverse needs and backgrounds.
Earning American Credentials the Hard Way
When Dr. Porcaro decided to pursue her dream of practicing dentistry in the United States, she faced a significant challenge. Foreign dental credentials don’t automatically transfer, meaning she needed to complete additional education and pass rigorous examinations to earn American licensure.
The competition was fierce. Out of 850 international applicants to Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, only 25 were selected. Dr. Porcaro was among them. This prestigious program is designed for internationally trained dentists seeking U.S. credentials, and acceptance alone speaks to her exceptional qualifications.
But Dr. Porcaro didn’t just complete the program—she graduated at the top of her class. This achievement demonstrates not only her clinical abilities but also her dedication to mastering American dental techniques, technologies, and standards of care.
Building Grateful Dental in Marietta
After practicing in Austell, Georgia, Dr. Porcaro achieved her ultimate dream: opening her own practice in the United States. Grateful Dental, located in East Cobb at 2000 Powers Ferry Road, represents everything she learned throughout her remarkable career.
The practice name itself reflects her philosophy. Dr. Porcaro approaches each day with gratitude—grateful for the opportunity to help patients, grateful for the trust families place in her care, and grateful for the chance to build something meaningful in her adopted community.
At Grateful Dental, patients find a comprehensive family dental practice equipped to handle everything from routine cleanings to complex restorations. The practice utilizes advanced technology, including 3D dental imaging and CEREC same-day crowns, because Dr. Porcaro believes her patients deserve access to the most current innovations in dental care.
The Person Behind the Smile
What patients consistently notice about Dr. Porcaro is her genuine interest in them as people. She remembers details about their lives, asks about their families, and takes time to explain treatment options thoroughly. This isn’t a marketing strategy—it’s simply who she is.
Her staff reflects the same values. At Grateful Dental, patients are greeted by name. Appointments run on time. Questions are welcomed and answered without rushed dismissal. The practice has earned Patient’s Choice awards in 2015, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, along with Top Patient Rated recognition—achievements that speak to consistently exceptional patient experiences.
Patient reviews tell the story better than any credentials list could. Patients describe Dr. Porcaro as “wonderful to work with,” noting that “she really cares about her work and me.” Others praise how she makes them “feel at ease” and highlight the staff’s ability to “remember each patient” and make everyone “feel comfortable.”
Why International Training Matters
Dentistry is practiced differently around the world, and exposure to multiple approaches creates a more versatile clinician. Dr. Porcaro’s Brazilian training emphasized certain techniques; her American education added others. The result is a broader toolkit for addressing patient needs.
Her orthodontic background informs how she approaches cosmetic cases. Understanding how teeth move and how bite alignment affects outcomes helps her create restorations that look beautiful and remain functional for years. Her public health experience taught her to work efficiently without sacrificing quality, and her experience directing a large clinic keeps Grateful Dental running smoothly.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Dr. Porcaro’s diverse training allows Grateful Dental to offer an unusually broad range of services. Preventative services include thorough cleanings, examinations, and patient education. Cosmetic options range from professional whitening with KöR and Zoom systems to porcelain veneers and Six Month Smiles. Restorative care encompasses fillings, crowns, dental implants, and dentures.
For patients who experience dental anxiety, the practice offers oral sedation dentistry—because Dr. Porcaro’s commitment to compassionate care extends to ensuring nervous patients can still receive treatment they need.
A Practice Rooted in Community
Grateful Dental has become part of the fabric of Marietta and surrounding communities including East Cobb, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and beyond. Dr. Porcaro raises her family here and understands the community because she lives in it.
The practice accepts most dental insurance plans and offers payment options through CareCredit and Cherry. Saturday appointments are available by request. Grateful Dental also accepts workers’ compensation cases for dental injuries and provides care for victims of violent crimes—continuing Dr. Porcaro’s lifelong commitment to serving those who might otherwise struggle to access care.
Schedule Your Visit with Dr. Porcaro
Finding a dentist you trust is one of the most important healthcare decisions you’ll make for yourself and your family. At Grateful Dental, Dr. Porcaro and her team invite you to experience a different kind of dental practice—one where international expertise meets hometown warmth, and where every patient is treated as the unique individual they are.
Whether you need a routine cleaning, are considering cosmetic improvements, or have been putting off dental care because of anxiety or past negative experiences, Grateful Dental welcomes you.
Contact Grateful Dental today:
2000 Powers Ferry Rd SE, #1, Marietta, GA 30067
(678) 593-2979
Office Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Saturday: By appointment
New patients are always welcome, and most dental insurance plans are accepted. Discover why patients throughout Cobb County, Cherokee County, and Fulton County trust Dr. Porcaro with their smiles.
