Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Yaa McDonald
Dr. Yaa McDonald received her undergraduate degree in the biological sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and then completed a Doctorate in Dental Medicine degree (DMD) at Southern Illinois University. Following her doctorate degree, she completed a two-year residency in Pediatric Dentistry, obtaining both a specialty certificate and a Master of Dental Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. During residency, Dr. McDonald was awarded the Graduate Student Research Award for her outstanding master’s thesis research on the periodontal ligament stem cells of human deciduous teeth.
Dr. McDonald is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is adjunct faculty at Marquette University School of Dentistry, where she teaches pediatric dentistry to undergraduate dental students. Dr. McDonald is also currently a staff member at Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee, WI.
Dr. McDonald is a community advocate and enjoys volunteering. She has participated in activities such as Convoy of Hope, Jamaican Dental Missions, and in other local organizations. In 2010 was honored by Metro Achievement Center with the “Woman of Character Award.”
In her spare time, she enjoys trying new recipes, baking, exercising, hanging with family, friends and her dog Sophie. Dr. McDonald looks forward to giving your child a great dental experience!
Dr. Rory Chong
Dr. Rory Chong is a firm believer in providing a treatment experience with respect and care and always has the best interest of his patients at heart.
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, he studied at the University of Toronto obtaining his degree in Industrial Engineering and Applied Mathematics. He went on to complete his dental education at New York University where he graduated amongst the top of his class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. During his training, Dr. Chong was concurrently involved in research that was presented at national conferences where he gave award-winning presentations on accelerated orthodontic tooth movement and critical thinking in dental education. His passion to educate has led to giving presentations at conferences, study clubs, and at dental institutions.
Dr. Chong went on and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he was a winner of a national Invisalign award. He also obtained a Masters degree for his research involving the development of a novel method for analysis of tooth movement in 3D.
Dr. Rory Chong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, and Chicago Dental Society. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, skateboarding, tennis, and traveling. Dr. Chong looks forward to meeting you and being part of your family’s great dental experience.
Dr. Maria Javier
Dr. Maria Javier (or Dr. Maria as most of her patients call her) was born and raised in the Southside of Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. She comes from a family of 6, being the 2nd oldest in line; because of this, interacting with children is like second nature for her. She understands what it takes to handle different personality needs. Every child is different, but she believes every one of them deserves the care and attention that a pediatric dentist can help provide. She encourages all parents to bring their children to see a pediatric dentist starting at age 1, and continually every six months until the child feels confident to “graduate” and see a hygienist or general dentist. She welcomes all who feel passionate about their child’s overall dental health, as well as those who have difficulty finding a dentist for children with special needs.
EDUCATION
- Board Certified Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Certificate Pediatric Dentistry, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
- Master of Science, University of Michigan Rackham School of Graduate Studies
- Residency in Hospital Dentistry, University Hospital, University of Michigan, Hurley Medical Center
- Residency in Pediatric Dentistry, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Mott Children’s Health Center
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Marquette University School of Dentistry
- Bachelor of Science, Truman State University
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists
- American Dental Society
- Fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- PALS certified
Dr. Lauren Price
Dr. Lauren Price grew up in Portland, OR. She received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and afterwards spent three years teaching English, science, and preschool before attending dental school. She then completed a Doctorate in Dental Medicine degree (DMD) at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Price is a general dentist who absolutely loves working with children of all ages! She has multiple years of experience doing dentistry for the general population as well as dentistry for kids; working in private offices, clinics, nursing homes, and school environments.
In her free time, Dr Price loves to read, ski, and scrapbook, She especially enjoys spending time with her husband, Greg, her son, Emmett, and their family cat, Cullen.
Dr. Riddhi Desai
Dr. Riddhi Desai grew up in the small town of Somerset, Pennsylvania. After earning her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, she continued her education at Oregon Health & Sciences University. At Oregon she earned her Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree in Orthodontics. During her time in dental school, Dr. Desai found that the most engaging cases were those in which she built long-term relationships with her patients.
Dr. Desai has held the following Fellowships & Externships:
Oregon Health & Sciences University – TMJ Mechanics & Growth Research
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital- Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Program
UPenn Center for Advanced Medicine – Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Externship
Dr. Desai holds memberships in the following professional organizations:
American Board of Orthodontics
American Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
Chicago Dental Society
Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
When Dr. Desai has free time, she can be found practicing her serve at the local tennis court or supporting her favorite sports teams, the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dr. Sara Day
Dr. Sara Day grew up in rural, northwestern Illinois. She attended Lewis University as an undergraduate and then attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Following graduation, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, where her favorite rotation was pediatric dentistry! Dr. Day is an active member of the American Dental Association.
Dr. Day loves to travel and try new foods. Some of her favorite activities include cooking, various arts & crafts, golfing, hiking, and reading. She is proud of the Little Free Library she built to share her love of reading with her community.
As a parent and a dentist, Dr. Day understands the importance of encouraging and creating healthy smiles for children and wants to help make the process as comfortable and fun as possible!
