Dr. Betancourt was born in Charleston, S.C. and attended the College of Charleston until she received early acceptance to the Medical University of S.C. College of Dental Medicine where she earned a D.M.D. degree. Her desire to work with young people led her to accept a position at the University of Kentucky as a resident in pediatric dentistry. During her two years of training at U.K., she treated minor orthodontic problems for her young patients and came to realize that her true desire was to become an orthodontist. She graduated from U.K. with a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and accepted a position as a resident in orthodontics. Following a 30-month specialty training program in orthodontics for adults and children, St. Louis University Department of Orthodontics honored her with a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Masters of Science Degree.