Get To Know Our Experts
Our team of dentists at Pure Dental Spa has a variety of specialized training and education in different areas of their fields, allowing us to provide truly comprehensive care for patients of all ages in Illinois. Not only do we have general dentists in Illinois to take care of your loved ones’ preventive dental concerns, but we also have an oral maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist, and endodontists on staff to tackle your more specialized needs. You can learn more about our unique team below.
FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR – ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Rajul Patel
Dr. Patel first opened the doors to our Chicago dental office in 2010, and well over a decade later, she still finds plenty of fulfillment in enhancing smiles and helping patients rediscover their self-confidence! If you’re ready to start working towards better, brighter teeth, don’t hesitate to give her a call here in Bloomingdale. You can also learn more about her by continuing to read below.
While in college, Dr. Patel had a physics lab partner who introduced her to her sister. The sister worked as a dentist and was currently searching for an assistant. At that time, Dr. Patel wasn’t sure if she wanted to pursue the medical field or dentistry in particular – but she started working for her and was quickly inspired! Whether through alleviating dental pain or completely transforming a smile, the dentist was able to change people’s lives for the better every single day, and she wanted to provide that same level of immediate gratification. The rest, they say, is history.
After graduating from Loyola University in Chicago, Dr. Patel pursued her dental doctorate at New York University College of Dentistry. Continuing education has been very important to her over the years; she’s completed numerous workshops with Spear Education, along with training in CEREC, BOTOX, oral conscious sedation, Invisalign, and more. Currently, she is a member of the American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society.
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Society
- American Medical Association
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
At home, Dr. Patel and her husband have a young daughter and son, as well as their 10-year-old Boxer. When she isn’t busy caring for patients, you can typically find her taking the kids to museums or spending a family day at the beach. She also loves listening to almost any kind of music live!
BOARD-CERTIFIED ORAL SURGEON – ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Prem Patel
Dr. Prem is able to provide a wide range of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures in Chicago, including facial trauma repair and reconstruction, dental implant surgery, bone grafting, removal of impacted wisdom teeth, TMJ surgery, and corrective jaw and cosmetic surgery. He deeply enjoys getting to know his patients and working alongside an excellent team that enables him to deliver optimal care every single day. To learn a little more about Dr. Prem, read below.
Dr. Prem was drawn to oral surgery because he liked the precision of dentistry, the science of medicine, and the art of surgery. He knew that becoming an oral surgeon would allow him to blend all these passions and pursue a career where he could make meaningful, long-lasting improvements for his patients, both for their health and appearance.
Dr. Prem received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with high honors. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained his Dental of Medicine Doctorate degree (DMD). During this time, he was awarded several surgical and scholastic distinctions. He was later accepted into the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency program. Once admitted, he attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, eventually earning his MD degree. Dr. Prem went on to receive his two-year General Surgery Certificate while completing rotations at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Today, he is board-certified in both oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as cosmetic surgery.
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Society
- American Medical Association
- American Association Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Academy Of Cosmetic Surgery
- American College Of Surgeons
Most of Dr. Prem’s free time is dedicated to his wife, Sonia, and their young son and daughter, Zayn and Zavia. Currently, he and the children are taking swimming lessons (he never learned when he was younger)! When he’s not in the pool, he enjoys working out, traveling, and trying new adventures.
ORTHODONTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Amer Shammaa
Nothing makes Dr. Shammaa happier than seeing his patients’ faces after he takes off their braces and they get to look at their new smiles for the first time. For him, the best part of his job is knowing that he is making positive and lasting changes in people’s lives. He looks forward to doing the same for you or your child, and to learn a little more about him, read on below.
Most of Dr. Shammaa’s family members are dentists, and it was his older brother, an orthodontist, that encouraged him to take the same path. His brother is 18 years older than him, and growing up, Dr. Shammaa always admired how he was able to help people, and he fondly remembers that all of his patients loved him.
Dr. Shammaa completed his initial dental education at the University of Minnesota, and he went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from West Virginia University. To stay on top of the latest advancements in dentistry, he is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and the American Academy of Orthodontists.
Dr. Shammaa and his wife, Aylah, have one boy, Zayd. When he isn’t spending time with family, he enjoys reading, watching soccer, and playing tennis.
ORTHODONTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Tommy Bond
Dr. Tommy Bond loves transforming smiles and building genuine relationships with patients – it’s a few of the many things that make him an exceptional orthodontist in Chicago! Today, he is board-certified and just as passionate about using his education and training to help others achieve the smiles of their dreams. If you would like to learn more about him, including an interesting task that piqued his interest in dentistry, read on.
While some doctors were inspired by their parents or their own orthodontist, Dr. Bond’s journey to becoming a board-certified orthodontist began at IKEA.
At 18, he arrived at the 320,000-square-foot maze to get some new furniture. After fiddling around with the unlabeled instructions, tiny wood legs, and wrenches, he took a step back and saw clean lines, a beautiful aesthetic, and harmony. The cohesiveness and fluidity of it all were extremely satisfying, especially since the outcome laid in his own hands. Since he was always interested in engineering and architecture, he decided to combine these passions with his love for working with his hands – orthodontics was the perfect fit!
Originally from Virginia, Dr. Bond chose to pursue his studies nearby at Virginia Tech. From there, he studied at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He completed his orthodontic residency in 2020 and became a board-certified orthodontist in 2021. Now, he has additional training in orthopedics and is Invisalign certified as well! Plus, he maintains active memberships with several professional organizations, including:
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Association
- American Academy Of Orthodontists
- American Board Of Orthodontics (Board-Certified)
In his free time, you’ll probably find Dr. Bond walking around the city with an iced coffee or going to the dog park with his French Bulldog, Louis. He also enjoys teaching an indoor cycling class in the city, trying out all of the newest restaurants in the Chicago area, and creating artwork for his home. Here’s an interesting fact about him: he used to race dirt bikes competitively.
GENERAL DENTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Leslie Lopez
Dr. Leslie Lopez’s journey in the dental field is one of perseverance, aspiration, and an enduring love for the profession. From starting at the front desk to becoming a general dentist, she has worn multiple hats, each one leading her further into the heart of dentistry. Her passion for the field is a testament to her commitment to her patients and the dental team she cherishes. With only a year into her career as a dentist, she has already made significant strides, embracing every opportunity to build relationships and craft individualized treatment plans for her patients.
The decision to become a dentist was a natural progression for Dr. Lopez. She began her dental career working at the front desk, where she developed a deep understanding of the practice’s operations. From there, she moved into the role of an office manager and then a dental assistant. Each role enriched her knowledge and fueled her desire to make a more significant impact. The best part of her job, she says, is building relationships with her patients and the team. The foundation of her approach is to actively listen to her patient’s goals, which helps her to create individualized treatment plans and guide them toward optimal oral health.
Dr. Lopez received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico before advancing to Creighton University School of Dentistry. Her education at these institutions provided a robust foundation and the necessary skills to excel in her current position as a general dentist. Today, she is proud to apply her expertise to provide top-quality dental care for her patients.
Beyond the realm of dentistry, Dr. Lopez is an outdoor enthusiast. She takes pleasure in bike riding, swimming, hiking, and gardening, activities that allow her to embrace the beauty of nature. In addition, she loves experimenting with new recipes, with a particular fondness for baking. She enjoys visiting her family and friends who live outside of Illinois and travels often to stay connected with them.
Interestingly, Dr. Lopez has lived in five different states, adding to her diverse experiences and perspectives. Today, she is excited to call Illinois her forever home. Her journey, both in her professional and personal life, is an accomplishment she is proud of.
GENERAL DENTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Veronica Ramirez
Dr. Ramirez loves coming to Pure Dental Spa every day because she enjoys the clean and calming environment, and she says the knowledgeable staff enables and encourages her to do her absolute best work. With her, your comfort in the dental chair matters just as much as the health of your teeth and the beauty of your smile. To learn a little more about her ahead of your visit, read below.
Dr. Ramirez says that she knew she wanted to become a dentist since she was eight years old. As a child, she spent a lot of time at the dentist’s office and was always fascinated by the technical and artistic aspects of dentistry. Despite her interest, she has few positive memories of her experiences with the doctors and staff. She remembers seeing her grandma’s dentures and being told that it’s normal to not have teeth when you’re old. As she matured, she realized there was a huge dental health disparity in the Hispanic communities. This all motivated her to become a compassionate dental provider who desired to help people from diverse backgrounds achieve healthy smiles.
Dr. Ramirez graduated from Northeastern University, and while there, she interned at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. She worked as an oral health coordinator and helped patients bridge the gap between dental and general health care. She went on to earn her dental degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. After that, she practiced in both Virginia and Cleveland before coming back to her native Chicago. Today, she is a proud member of the Hispanic Dental Association.
At home, Dr. Ramirez loves to cook from scratch so she can explore different cuisines firsthand. She also enjoys going for hikes and traveling to the beach or mountainous areas for scenic walks.
GENERAL DENTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Stephanie Miller
Dr. Stephanie Miller is a passionate professional, dedicated to mastering her craft and excelling in the art of dentistry. With a deep love for working with her hands, she enjoys collaborating with patients to give them a great smile and boost their confidence. Her vibrant, uplifting spirit truly shines through in her work.
Dr. Miller’s journey into dentistry was influenced by her family legacy. With her grandfather as an accomplished dentist, she was inspired to follow in his footsteps. She was drawn to the deeply personal aspects of the profession, valuing the opportunity to build enduring, trust-based connections with her patients.
Dr. Miller pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She then earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry.
Outside of work, Dr. Miller cherishes the simple pleasures of daily life and enjoys the company of her mini poodle, Calvin. Originally from Naperville, IL, she has a love for boating and watersports, as well as an avid interest in fashion. Dr. Miller also loves exploring new restaurants with friends and traveling to new cities in the winter to escape Chicago’s chilly weather.
GENERAL DENTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Eliza Kim
Dr. Kim loves that her job revolves around helping people smile, whether it’s because they finally feel comfortable in the chair, are pain-free, or are excited to show off their newly enhanced teeth! Her goal is to seamlessly combine science, art, and service into personalized treatment plans that are perfectly suited to each individual. To learn a little more about her before you visit Pure Dental Spa, just keep reading!
Dr. Kim knew she wanted to go into healthcare from an early age, but her interest in dentistry actually started because she experienced some trauma to one of her front teeth at age 13. She ended up needing a root canal and eventually underwent three crown replacements, which consistently made her feel insecure. She finally found a dentist that fixed it correctly, and now it looks seamless. She decided that she wanted to be able to help people in the same way, so she ended up shadowing some dental students, and this solidified that she wanted to become a dentist.
Before starting dental school, Dr. Kim worked at the front desk of a dental office managing insurance and treatment plans. She also volunteered at non-profit dental clinics. She received her dental degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine. While studying, she went on multiple dental mission trips to provide free care to underserved populations in both South America and the U.S.
After graduating, Dr. Kim completed a General Practice Residency at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. There, she received intensive education that covered all aspects of dentistry, from pediatrics to full mouth rehabilitation and everything in between.
Always eager to learn more, she is an active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Kim is a Korean-American who was born in Brazil and raised in Florida, and she is proud to be a first-generation college graduate for her family. She is recently engaged, and when she isn’t spending time with her fiancé, you’ll usually find her at the gym, a coffee shop, or a restaurant (she’s a self-proclaimed “foodie”). She loves tuning the world out while working on a pottery wheel, and even though she wears scrubs at work every day, she always has different shoes because she is a “sneakerhead.”
GENERAL DENTIST - ILLINOIS
Get To Know Dr. Ryan McCormick
Dr. Ryan McCormick, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, is a diligent and highly knowledgeable general dentist. He has been dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care at our practice since 2023. Dr. McCormick has a deep appreciation for the people in his community and a passion for helping them with their dental needs.
Dr. McCormick chose to become a dentist out of a strong desire to help others. His favorite aspect of dentistry is connecting with patients and learning about their goals in dental treatment. He enjoys the satisfaction that comes from being able to positively impact a person’s health and confidence through improving their oral health.
Dr. McCormick’s educational journey began at Duquesne University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology in 2012. Following this, he pursued a Master of Science in biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, which he completed in 2013. Dr. McCormick then furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, where he achieved his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2017. He is a lifelong learner, continuously broadening his knowledge and skills through various continuing education courses. These include Invisalign diagnosing and treatment planning, oral surgery extraction, bone grafting, digital workflows for restorative dentistry, advanced endodontic treatment, and understanding the materials used in indirect restorative dentistry.
Outside of the dental office, Dr. McCormick enjoys an active lifestyle that involves playing soccer and running. He is also an avid golfer and a food enthusiast who loves trying new restaurants. Additionally, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, a pediatric critical care physician at Comer Children’s Hospital, and their two Italian Greyhounds, Oliver and Enzo. His pride in his wife’s dedication to her profession and their shared commitment to helping their community exemplify the type of person he is. In all aspects of his life, Dr. McCormick is motivated by a genuine desire to understand, connect with, and improve the lives of those around him.