THE COMPASSIONATE TRAILBLAZER

Change is inevitable, be it the world around us or children as they sprout up from year to year. Touchstones, like twice a year visits with a favorite dentist, keep us grounded and help create the warm memories of living in a caring community.

A favorite member of this community is Dr. Mira Albert, the much-admired pediatric dentist, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), trustee of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation (AAPDF), poised spokesperson for pediatric dentistry, philanthropist, and Kellogg MBA entrepreneur. This multi-tasker has been in high demand her entire career. Fresh out of her residency she balanced weekdays leading a dental clinic in an underserved neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side with Saturdays in a leading Gold Coast practice.

From there she excelled in a busy suburban practice, where she was soon invited to partnership. “I was thrilled and honored to receive that offer. I admired everything the partners had built, but it wasn’t right for me, ” she says, adding, “I wanted to be a part of my own community, to be able to support my children at their games and school activities,” Mira says.

These early career experiences sparked an idea for a different kind of practice, one with serious dentistry in a lighthearted environment. Brush Pediatric Dentistry, founded in 2011, was a success from the moment the doors opened. Parents appreciated the fresh approach and children responded to the whimsical environment and kind staff.

Brush quickly became one of the area’s most beloved businesses, and as the first cohort of Brush kids reach high school and college, a new crew of babies and toddlers are poised to be a part of the Brush magic in Hinsdale and the new Downers Grove office.

They will discover what their big brothers and sisters did, that the caring women who work there are the best at teaching tooth care habits and life lessons at each visit.

Hidden in each child’s bi-annual appointments are other lessons, too.

COURAGE

One of Mira’s mantras is “being fearless doesn’t mean you have no fear, it means you are strong enough to face your fears.” This is helpful advice for children in the dental chair who might be feeling apprehensive. It’s also good advice for adults making decisions as exemplified by Mira herself. One example is choosing to open Brush instead of joining that established practice. Expanding to a second office is another. Earning a Kellogg MBA is a third. She sums it up by saying, “I think waking up and facing the fears that come with running a business and finding strength within yourself and from those around you are the best ways to navigate challenges and emerge stronger than before,”

TEAMWORK

Trailblazers keep moving forward, meeting challenges and bringing ideas to life. The best do not go it alone, they bring others along for the ride, elevating careers, experiences, and sometimes even whole professions. For Dr. Albert, this continues to include the best dentists, dental hygienists, and office staff around.

Each of the pediatric dentists have built incredible CVs. Dr. Maggie Rizzo, who will lead the Downers Grove office, did so alongside Dr, Albert. For a year between Dr. Maggie’s undergraduate tenure at the University of Michigan and her enrollment at University of Illinois Chicago for Dental School, she worked closely with Dr. Albert as her dental assistant. This experience sparked her passion for the field of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Maggie is thrilled to be providing care alongside the wonderful team at Brush Pediatric Dentistry.

She has been appointed to the Department of Surgery Division of Dentistry of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to help train the current pediatric dental residents. She understands that each child has specific and unique needs. Dr. Maggie dedicates her career to treating each child with compassion and is dedicated to instilling healthy oral habits in children at a young age. Dr. Maggie is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. “I respect and implicitly trust Dr Maggie. I am thrilled to be growing with her,” Mira says.

FAMILY

Dr. Albert has followed through on her promise to attend her boys’ games and events. She and her husband, also a dentist, can be spotted on sidelines cheering for them. The fantastic effect of this is that hundreds of children have seen their beloved dentist out and about, rooting for their success as well as that of her own children.

Brush Pediatric Dentistry sponsors many area events, from school fundraisers to hospital initiatives and more. You’ll find the staff at the Fall Family Fest handing out toothbrushes to fight the sugar bugs from all the candy. Clever parents will bring the excess into the office, where it will be shipped to military bases in early November.

LOOKING AHEAD

Thank goodness Dr. Albert turned down that offer years ago. She has enriched this community in countless ways. As Brush Pediatric Dentistry enters a new phase, it will be delightful to see what she and her team accomplish next.

For anyone seeking pediatric dental care, Brush should be on the short list. For babies, special needs children, routine and emergency care this is the place where children are nurtured and inspired by women who care about their wellbeing and are determined to create a positive experience around going to the dentist.

brushforkids.com, 630.504.2223