She received her Bachelor of Science degree and competed for four years on the women's gymnastics teamfrom Southern Illinois University in 1985. She next obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1989, at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.

After dental school, Dr. Oppenheim completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center, with a special focus on medically compromised patients and those suffering from trauma. In 1992, she returned to the University of Illinois College of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry, completing a two-year Residency in Pediatric Dentistry.

In addition to seeing children in private practice, Dr. Oppenheim is head of the department of pediatric dentistry atIllinois Masonic Medical Center. This is where she teaches general dental residents how to take care of children's teeth as well as well as treating patients in the operating room under general anesthesia.

Dr. Oppenheim is a strong advocate for childrens oral and overall health and wellbeing. Many pediatricians and lactation consultants refer new moms to her when they are having difficulty nursing their newborns. Working locally, nationally, and internationally, she donates many volunteer hours, including offering dental care on overseas mission trips.

Locally, Dr. Oppenheim provides dental health outreach and education to pediatricians, parents, and preschool and elementary students. She is involved with the Special Olympics, dentistry on mobile dental vans, school fairs, and classroom education for teachers, caregivers, and students.

Additionally, she has held fundraisers for Dental Lifeline and Smile Train. As a delegate for the Illinois State Dental Society and with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics,Dr. Oppenheim lobbies at the state capitol for funding for childrens needs. Aong with being on the Communications Committee for the Illinois State Dental Society, Dr. Oppenheim is the liaison for the governmental afffairs of the ISDS.

Dr. Oppenheim loves living in Chicago. Married in 1991, she and her spouse have two children. Their son volunteered with the Peace Corps in South American for three years and is now in graduate school in Colorado. After graduation, their daughter volunteered with Americorps and will starttmedical school at the University of Chicago in Sept 2021.The family is rounded out with and entertained by,their crazy rescue dog Rustin!

Summers find Dr. Oppenheim outdoors. She loves riding her bike, walking her dogand family vacations featuring hiking and backpacks. Her family volunteers at food pantries and help to feel the less fortunate in the community, too.

Dr Montero has been practicing Pediatric Dentistry since 2000. She lectures nationally and internationally on topics including early childhood caries and infant oral health. Dr. Montero is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.

Montero, Marilia, presentation at the American Academy of Pediatrics, Illinois Chapter Annual Meeting, Infant Oral Health: A Practical Guide to the Pediatrician, January 2008. Montero, Marilia, Bridging the Gap: Crest Smile Shoppe Brings Oral Care to the Underserved, Chicago Dental Society Review Journal, December 2005.

'The pediatric dental profession works to help all children and individuals with special healthcare needs to achieve optimal oral and overall health. Each patient and family is unique and pediatric dentistry is quickly adapting to be able to cater to the various needs of patients of different ages and developmental status.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is spending time with unique individuals and learning their stories. I enjoy talking with children about school, movies, and anything else that interests them. These conversations are wonderful: they reassure the child that I am listening and care about them, and make the visit enjoyable for both of us.

I am dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience for my patients, while giving them the best possible dental care. Preventive education and guidance is a core aspect of a childs dental visit and I get enjoyment and fulfillment from teaching patients and parents how cavity prevention leads to a healthy mouth and body!

Relocating to Illinois, she then completed her pediatric dental residency and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry through the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Dr. Hurwich also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.

Dr. Hurwich decided to become a pediatric dentist after spending countless hours shadowing Drs. Oppenheim, Hayes, and Montero here at Pediatric Dental Associates. Her mission is to teach all families about the important role of oral health in overall health and wellness.

As a lifelong learner, Dr. Hurwich actively seeks out continuing educational opportunities. This keeps her connected to pediatric dentistry beyond the clinical walls and ensures she is up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field. Adding different skills and techniques helps her to best tailor treatment to the unique needs of each of her wonderful patients.

In addition to caring for patients in private practice, Dr. Hurwich is a Junior Board Member of IM AWARE, the Advisory Council for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine. It is important to her to take an active role in her community and participation in IM AWARE allows her to do this, while learning ways to care for her own health and help others.

Dr. Hurwich also enjoys participating in Give Kids a Smile through the American Dental Association at Advocate Illinois Masonic. She is grateful for the opportunity to provide oral healthcare to underserved children in the City of Chicago.

Dr. Hurwich is passionate about healthy living, including regular exercise and plant-based eating. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, creating and sharing tasty meals with loved ones. She also loves to speak Spanish and enjoys practicing her skills with her sweet patients and their families. Travel is also important to Dr. Hurwich, both nationally and internationally, and shes always ready for a walk around the city, no matter the weather!

Dr. Hayes is a nationally recognized authority in pediatric dentistry, and has spoken all over the world to professional groups about pediatric dentistry and dental education. She has been the recipient of many professional honors, including in 2000 the Cushing Award from the Chicago Dental Society in honor of her trailblazing leadership in oral health education. Education and Specialty Training

2009, Named as one of top 5 Pediatric Dentists by Chicago Consumers Checkbook (checkbook.org) Hayes, Mary J., Infant Teeth and Oral Health: Facts Changing Myths, Bright Smiles From Birth, Pediatric Oral Health News and Information, Fall 2008. Hayes, Mary J., Are You Using Fluoride Varnish? Woman Dentists E-Journal, March 6, 2008. http://www.dentistry.com/articles/Women_and_Smoking_A_Weighty_Issue.aspx Spokeswoman to the media for American Dental Association (since 1995), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (since 1990) and Chicago Dental Society (since 2006). Dr. Hayes has provided numerous interviews for print, radio and television media including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Fox TV, CBS, NBC, WLIT-FM, B96/WBBM-FM, The Chicago Sun Times, Working Woman, Parents, Parenting.

We recognize that all of our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

Melissa Rebeles grew up in Darien a suburb of Chicago, and always had an affinity for the big city. From a very young age has always had an immense adoration for working with children. Was fully certified in CPR and babysitting at age 10. In middle school and high school she dedicated her time to tutoring her peers that were deaf and special needs. During her adolescent years she taught ballet to the younger children at her dance studio. Charitable acts, spreading love through the acts of kindness centered around children has been a main thread that has sewn it 's way throughout her life. With 22 years of experience in the dental field, naturally she began her career in pediatrics. If you were to ask her what her most favorite aspect of pediatric dentistry she will quote the late great uncle Ben from Marvels SPIDER-MAN, 'With great power, comes great responsibility'. Pediatric practices have the rare opportunity to make the world a better place one patient at a time. Most often we are the first point of contact for these children at an age where adversities, and fears begin to develop. She takes immense pride in being a part of this very important milestone, and believes that most often the trust report begins here. With that said does not take this honor lightly. Melissa feels so very privileged to be a part of the Pediatric Dental Health Associates family, and is looking forward to growing with the practice for many years to come.

Kim is an assest to our talented front desk team. She has lots of experience making our patients and family feel welcome. Kim is busy working mom! When she is not taking care of our front desk she is excited toget back home and spend time with her baby boys!

Emily, our dental hygienist, was born and raised in Massachusetts. She graduated on the deans list from the University of Newhaven in Connecticut with a bachelors in dental hygiene. She moved to Chicago in 2020 with her high school sweetheart and puppy Chewie. Emily loves meeting patients and helping them achieve all of their oral health and hygiene goals. She spends her free time baking and watching hockey.

Crystal started her dental career in 2012 and has developed into an outstanding dental assistant. She has a fun attitude and her focus is building confidence in our patients. She does an excellent job educating them so they have good oral habits for a lifetime of dental health and a great smile. Crystal enjoys traveling, fishing, and playing board games with her family in her free time.

Jennifer is a caring, skilled dental assistant who will make a fantastic dentist in a few years. While working at PDHA during the day, she is also busy taking her necessary classes to apply to dental school. She is passionate about dentistry and loves to give patients the skills to improve or maintain their oral hygiene. Jennifer is an avid reader and traveler. She also enjoys spending time with her toddler niece.

Luis has been working in the pediatric dental field for a long time and has been a wonderful addition to our practice. He is a fun and exciting person to work with! When not in the office, Luis has many friends he hangs around with.

Our goal is to provide children with skills and inspiration to maintain their dental wellness while putting a stop to dental anxiety. We will always provide a positive, individual experience for every family and each child: they will know they are heard, treasured, and loved.

Very rarly will a childleave our practice before they are ready to be seen by thier parent's dentist. Many former patientsbring their own children to our office as patinets. This isbecause of the way we take care ofchildren and how we make them feel. We have had families who move out of state (or country)but will still come back to us, at least once a year because of the trust they have in our practice. We are dedicated to providing your child with quality, attentive dentistry. Each visit is tailored to their needs and your desires, as we set them on the path to a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!

A trauma or toothache can happen at any time. Our practice is unique because we always have a pediatric dentist on call. There are offices that will send you to the emergancy room at a hospital but with PDHA, we will see your child in the comfortable andfamiliarenviornment of our office.

Before any procedure, we will walk you through the diagnosis, explaining what we will do and why. We will also talk about post-procedure care and what you and your child should expect. We welcome and encourage your questions and are always happy to address any areas of concern.

Our dental office has been designed to appeal to kids. Our space is filled with playful and positive dcor, bright colors, a fish tank, lots of activities and games, TV's above the dental chairs and books for young readers. Its fun to see kids eyes brighten as they step through the doors and see all we offer. This is an exciting place to visit!

We are skilled at communicating with children on their level, using every day, age-appropriate language and setting them at ease. Were often found crouching down to admire a toddlers artwork, chatting about superheroes and princesses, and sharing jokes with patients!