MEET DR. MICHAEL & THE CHOMP SQUAD
“After practicing in Chicago for over eight years, I am so excited to officially open my own doors and provide a pediatric dental experience that reflects the values that I’ve prioritized in my care from day one. I can’t wait to meet your family and all of their little chompers to prove to you that pediatric dentistry should be fun!”
– DR. MICHAEL Rabinowitz
welcome to little chompers!
meet
Dr. Michael Rabinowitz
Dr. Michael’s affinity for helping children was apparent from a young age when he tutored students with learning disabilities and frequently babysat for families in his hometown of Deerfield, Illinois. His passion for working with the pediatric population was front and center before he even knew that he wanted to become a dentist.
History With Kids
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) in Neuroscience. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at The University of Illinois (Chicago) where he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. Upon graduation from dental school, he served as a resident in pediatric dentistry at Children’s National Medical Center (Washington, DC) and was honored to serve as Chief Resident. Learning in a hospital setting provided him with the expertise to handle patients of all different medical histories, developmental abilities, and dental complexities.
TRAINING
Dr. Michael is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist accredited by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He was selected to serve as a Committee Member and Board Examiner for the ABPD where he creates and administers exams required by pediatric dentists pursuing their board certification. He is an Active Attending at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and serves as a Director for the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He is also an active member and fellow of the of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and American Dental Association.
Involvement & Accolades
Little Chompers was born out of a desire to give kids a dental experience that sets them up for an adulthood without dental anxiety. Dr. Michael loves to break down the barrier between dentist and patient in order to approach his patients on their level. He strongly feels that involving his patients of all ages in the dialogue builds a level of trust and confidence that allows everyone to have a great experience.
CARING FOR KIDS
Beyond Little Chompers
DR. MICHAEL LIVES IN LAKEVIEW WITH HIS HUSBAND, TODD, AND THEIR CAT, GIZMO.
HE IS A DEVOTED SWIFTIE, LOVES A NIGHT OUT SEEING A BROADWAY SHOW, AND ENJOYS RUNNING.
THE CHOMP SQUAD
Paige’s passion for dentistry began at an early age. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Paige had the opportunity to shadow her mom who worked as a dental hygienist at a pediatric office. It was there where Paige learned about how she could make a positive impact on the lives of children and help them begin their journey of maintaining their oral health. This led to Paige’s very first job at another pediatric dental practice where she learned about the importance of patient care as a dental assistant. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. Paige’s favorite part about her job is helping children feel more confident and overcome their fears. Dr. Michael and Paige have worked together for over four years and she’s been recognized for her compassion for her patients and her attention to detail. Paige is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and has multiple certifications from the use of nitrous oxide and local anesthesia. When not at work, Paige enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, pet sitting and she recently just signed up to run her first marathon!
Paige Surico, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Vanessa has been a Certified Pediatric Dental Assistant for over ten years. Her history as a fearful child visiting the dentist is what drives her to make sure she provides comfort and a positive experience to all of her patients. Vanessa has worked alongside Dr. Michael for over 7 years and credits her professionalism & skills to their longstanding partnership. She enjoys spending time with her family, working toward her associate's degree, and shopping. She and her husband also enjoy supporting their two daughters, Destiny and Makayla, at their dance competitions. Recently, Vanessa became a first time dog mom to Rambo - a highly energetic labrador retriever.
Vanessa LIMA
Certified Dental Assistant
THE CHOMP SQUAD
Linda has been working in the medical administration field for 13 years. She takes great pride in helping patients to navigate the healthcare process, empower them with education, and create a positive and fulfilling experience for them. She is honored to be a part of the Little Chompers family, and serve our wonderful community in the Chicago area. In her free time, Linda loves baking, reading, watching movies, and ballroom dancing, and enjoys spending time with her partner Dave and their two guinea pigs, Penelope and Eloise.
Linda Hanan
Front Desk Coordinator
THE CHOMP SQUAD
Evelyn has been a Certified Dental Assistant for multiple years and seeing fearful kids is a passion of Evelyn's so that she can help them have a good experience similar to her own. She had the opportunity to learn about the importance of oral health and how easy it can be from her own pediatric dental experience as a child. As she likes to say “Big or small, tall or short, upside down and upside right, we all feel fear, but together we can make it better!" Outside of work, Evelyn enjoys being with her three younger siblings and boyfriend having movie marathons and baking competitions. She enjoys walks to the park and around the neighborhood with her new family member, Luna, her four-legged bestie.
Evelyn Trujillo
Certified Dental Assistant
THE CHOMP SQUAD
Michelle began her journey in dentistry as a receptionist back in 2019. To her surprise, she found her passion in the hands-on interactions with patients and became inspired to be a chairside assistant during patient care. Michelle graduated in 2021 from Triton College with her Clinical Assistant certification and has never looked back since. She continues to bring her calming, detail-oriented demeanor to all of her patient interactions daily. In her free time, Michelle loves spending time in the sunshine doing activities that keep her moving with her friends and family. She also enjoys painting, cooking, traveling, and playing with her son, Isaiah!
Michelle Bernal
Certified Dental Assistant
THE CHOMP SQUAD
