Meet the Doctors

Joanne Oppenheim, DDS | Marilia Montero, D.D.S | Meet Risa Hurwich, DDS, MPH | Mary J. Hayes, D.D.S., M.S.

Meet Joanne Oppenheim, DDS

My original major in college was elementary education. I always loved working with children (becasue children are so much fun!) but also loved science. I changed my major to biology and applied to dental school, knowing that I’d specialize in pediatric dentistry. I started practicing in 1994 and have loved every aspect of my career. My greatest satisfaction is when a child tells me how much they love coming to their appointments!

~ Dr. Joanne Oppenheim

Dr. Oppenheim, a Chicago native, enjoys caring for her hometown’s newest and growing smiles.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree and competed for four years on the women's gymnastics team from 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 1994, Dr. Oppenheim received her Specialty License in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

In addition to seeing children in private practice, Dr. Oppenheim is head of the department of pediatric dentistry at Illinois 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 children’s 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 children’s 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.

Professional Affiliations and Activities

Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics ‘Bright Smiles from Birth’ Program Lecturer, 2007-present
Fellow, American College of Dentists, 2018
Fellow, International College of Dentists, 2018
Delegate, Chicago Dental Society, 2017-present
CDS Scientific commitee 2017-Present
Communication committee, Chicago Dental Society, 2018-present
Liaison to the Governmental Affairs Committee 2019-present
Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentistry Access to Care Committee member 2018-present
Dinner Chair, North Side Branch of CDS, 2018
Treasurer, North Side Branch of CDS, 2019
Recording Secretary, North Side Branch of CDS 2020
Vice President of the North Side Branch of CDS 2021
Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Oral Health
AAP, committee of school health, injury prevention
Chair, Senator Martinez Health Fair, 2014-present
Special Care Dentistry Association, 1994-present
Past President, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, 2000-2001
American Academy of Pediatrics, Member in Good Standing, 1998-2008
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 1994-present
Chicago Dental Society, Member in Good Standing, 1989-present
Mentor to Dental and pre-dental Students, 2007-present
American Dental Association, Member in Good Standing, 1989-present
Secretary of Dental Life Line, Donated Dental Services 2014-present

Personal Life

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 startt medical 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 dog and family vacations featuring hiking and backpacks. Her family volunteers at food pantries and help to feel the less fortunate in the community, too.

Meet Marilia Montero, DDS.

Dr. Montero has been practicing pediatric dentistry in Chicago for over 20 years and has seen her loyal patients grow from babies to adults, graduate from her office, and return with their own children. These long-term relationships with her patients are what motivates Dr. Montero to develop and learn about every advance in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Montero’s wide variety of experiences in academia, community, and organized dentistry have a common goal to improve children’s oral health and strive to provide the highest level of dental care in a gentle, compassionate manner while making the visit an enjoyable one for your child. She primarily focuses on educating both the parents and child on the importance of good oral health to prevent cavities.

At the beginning of 2011, Dr. Montero proudly stepped into the role of partner of Pediatric Dental Health Associates. Having already been with the practice for more than ten years, she was thrilled to expand upon the foundation set by Dr. Mary Hayes, 40 years prior. Additionally, she also has been leading a new generation of parents and patients with the latest procedures and technical advances in pediatric dentistry.

In 1992, Dr. Montero received her DDS from the Federal University of Ceara, Brazil. She then completed her two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Eastman Dental Center in 1995 and General Practice Residency (GPR) at the University of Rochester, New York in 1996. In 2000, she received her Pediatric Dentistry certificate from the University of Connecticut. Additionally, she completed a Pediatric Dentistry fellowship at the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001.

Following this, Dr. Montero joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry serving several positions such as the Director of Boys and Girls club, the Director of the Infant Clinic and Postdoctoral Clinical Director of the Pediatric Dentistry Department. During that time period, Dr. Montero was promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate professor and awarded the UIC Underrepresented Faculty Recruitment Program Award and received the Chicago Dental Society Professorship Clinical Fellowship Award.

In 2015, Dr. Montero also received the Distinguished Teaching Award by Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and Ann and Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics.

Dr. Montero served as the President of the Greater Chicago Hispanic Dental Association Chapter and the President of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists. Recently, Dr. Montero was elected by the North Central District of Pediatric Dentists to be the North Central Trustee of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Montero has a strong commitment to community outreach, she is an active volunteer in the community and often participates in the Special Olympics and Health Fairs in the city of Chicago every year. She has done clinical and educational outreach locally, as well as abroad in Costa Rica and Egypt.

Dr. Montero is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Furthermore, Dr. Montero gives numerous presentations nationally and internationally.

When she is not working, Dr. Montero embraces life in Chicago, where she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, going to restaurants, plays, musicals, and exploring Chicago. Although Dr. Montero loves living in Chicago, Dr. Montero also enjoys getting out of town to explore and travel with her husband, Dr. Mo Fayad and 3 children. Dr. Montero loves exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and trying local cuisines.

Professional Affiliations and Activities

Fellow International College of Dentists, 2021
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry North Central Trustee, 2019
Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, Executive Director 2018-current
Recipient, Distinguished Teaching Award by Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University and Ann and Robert Lurie Children's hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, 2015
Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, President 2015
Recipient of University of Illinois at Chicago/Chicago Dental Society Foundation Grant, 2010
Chicago Dental Society Professorship Clinical Fellowship, 2010
Greater Chicago Hispanic Dental Association, President 2009
Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics ‘Bright Smiles from Birth’ Program Lecturer, 2006
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 2006
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 2006
Received Pediatric Dental Specialty License, 2000
Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, Member in Good Standing 2001
Special Care Dentistry Association, Member in Good Standing, 2008-current
Greater Chicago Chapter of Hispanic Dental Association, Member in Good Standing, 2006-current
Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, Member in Good Standing, 2000-current, and Director for term running 2009 and 2015
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Member in Good Standing, 1998-current
Chicago Dental Society, Member in Good Standing, 2000-current
Illinois State Dental Society, Member in Good Standing, 2000-current
American Dental Education Association, Member in Good Standing, 2006-current
American Dental Association, Member in good standing, 1997-current

Meet Risa Hurwich, DDS, MPH

"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 child’s dental visit and I get enjoyment and fulfillment from teaching patients and parents how cavity prevention leads to a healthy mouth and body!

My goal is to help patients have positive experiences at the dentist, to encourage them and give confidence, as they journey through life."

~ Dr. Risa Hurwich

Dr. Hurwich, from Munster, Indiana, loves caring for her Chicago-area patients.

She attended Indiana University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. This was followed by her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS), at Indiana University School of Dental Surgery.

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.

Professional Affiliations and Activities

Board Member, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Chicago Dental Society
American Dental Association
Junior Board Member, IM AWARE Advisory Council for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Medicine

Personal Life

Dr. Hurwich moved to Chicago in 2016, after completing dental school. She and her amazing husband, Michael, share their life with a sweet puppy named Magglio (go White Sox!).

When not at work, Dr. Hurwich can be found in a hot yoga studio, testing healthy recipes, trying new Chicago eats with family and friends, and enjoying walks with her husband and pup.

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 she’s always ready for a walk around the city, no matter the weather!

Mary J. Hayes, D.D.S., M.S.

> Dr. Mary J. Hayes - Founder of Pediatric Dental Health Associates in 1980.

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

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 1988
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 1988
M.S. and Post-graduate Residency and Certificate of Advanced Study in Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois, College of Dentistry, 1978
Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Illinois, College of Dentistry, 1976
M.A., Medical Library Science, University of Chicago, Graduate Library School, 1974
B.A., Magna Cum Laude with Distinction, Rosary College, River Forest , Illinois, 1970; Chemistry and French majors. Honors research at Argonne National Laboratory.
pecial interests include the prevention of dental disease as a means of achieving oral health; dental treatment of children with physical, mental, emotional and behavioral issues; the interface of dentistry and the law.

Hospital and Academic Appointments

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Attending
Rush Medical Center and Hospital, Attending
Member of the Clinical Team, Rush Hemophilia & Thrombophilia Center
Rush Medical School, Department of Surgery, Division of Dentistry, General Practice Residency; Clinical Instructor, 1980-present
University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Clinical Lecturer
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Adjunct Instructor, 2000-present

Professional Associations

Vice President, Illinois Dental Lifeline Network, 2010-2011
Secretary-Treasurer, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 2009-current. Served as President, 2007-2008
Board Member, Chicago Dental Society Foundation, 2008–present
Member of Illinois State Dental Board, 1990-1998. Served as Chairman, 1993-1994
Active Volunteer of Tuesday’s Child, 1988-present
Special Care Dentistry Association, Member in Good Standing, 1980-current
Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, 1980-present; Liaison to American Academy of Pediatrics
Chicago Dental Society, Communication Committee, 1995-present; Member in Good Standing, 1976-current; Mentor to Current Dental Students, 2007-current
American Dental Association, Member in Good Standing, 1976-current

In the News

    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.