Pediatric Dentist & Channon, IL
Get to Know
Dr. Raya Abu-Zahra DDS, MPH
Dr. Raya is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who also achieved her Master’s in public health focused on Health Policy, and Management. She grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, MI, and always knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare like her mother who was a physician. She feels incredibly privileged to work with children and is passionate about providing the highest quality dentistry to each child in a positive and nurturing environment. She values making her appointments fun for each patient while making their smiles healthy and beautiful.
Why Did Dr. Raya Become
a Pediatric Dentist?
During her time in dental school, Dr. Raya served as a chapter president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Chair of Give Kids a Smile, completed two pediatric-focused dental mission trips to Guatemala, and volunteered numerous hours treating underserved populations. It was these experiences, along with her interest in working with children, that fueled her passion for pediatric dental care.
Where Did She Study Dentistry?
Dr. Raya received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 2010 (Go Blue!), and she later went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2014. She later completed her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in 2016. During her first few years after residency, she practiced in New York City—both in Queens and Manhattan—where her interest in health policy and understanding how to make effective changes in healthcare systems sparked. She then pursued an Executive Master’s Degree in Public Health and a Postdoctoral Oral Health fellowship at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Dr. Raya also served as Adjunct Faculty to dental students and pediatric dental residents at New York University’s College of Dentistry. She’s also received extensive training in behavior management, nitrous oxide, sedation dentistry, and treatment of patients with special needs. She’s also completed research with a focus on patients with special health care needs and has written several published articles. Aside from her commitment to being a lifelong learner and regularly seeking continuing education to improve her understanding of Pediatric Dentistry and new advanced techniques, Dr. Raya is a member of several professional organizations, including the:
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- College of Diplomates of the ABPD
Outside of the Office,
What Does Dr. Raya Like to Do?
Dr. Raya resides in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband and children. She’s also very happy to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community, and she enjoys making wonderful new memories with her family and loved ones. During her free time, she is an avid crafter and enjoys putting together projects with her children, cooking and learning new recipes, reading, taking walks, and traveling.