Our Team
Get to know the highly experienced dental professionals at Children's Dental Specialists who are dedicated to caring for your family!
Meet Dr. Ife
Dr. Ifechide Nwabueze (Dr. Ife) graduated from the University of Benin, Nigeria with a degree in dental surgery in 2003. Dr. Ife worked for two years as a general dentist in an Army hospital in Nigeria, where she specialized in pediatrics, orthodontics, restoration, oral surgery, and periodontics. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for working with children.
Dr. Ife earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia in 2010. She went on to complete her Pediatric Dentistry training at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, in Detroit. During her time there, she focused on pediatric clinical and hospital dentistry, including conscious sedation, dental surgery, and emergency dental services. Also, she worked with medically compromised children and those with special needs.
Upon successful completion of her pediatric residency training, Dr. Ife worked as an associate in Dr. Amy Parker’s pediatric dental practice and also in Children’s Dental Care all in Michigan.
Dr. Ife is committed to caring for children’s teeth in a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment. She has a true passion for caring and treating children, and she strives to make each child’s visit to the dentist a fun and pleasant one.
In addition to teaching undergraduates at the University Of Detroit Mercy Dental School, Dr. Ife has published numerous articles relating to pediatric dentistry and pre-veneered stainless steel crowns on primary molars. Dr. Ife is married to John, an accountant, and they have three beautiful young daughters, Ashlea, Kayla, and Emily. She enjoys running, swimming, traveling, and spending time with family.
Professional Affiliations and Certifications
- Diplomat American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Michigan Dental Association
Hospital Privileges:
- Affiliate Attending Dentist, Children’s Hospital of Michigan (DMC) in Detroit
Meet Dr. Mary
Dr. Mary Hannawa Calek (Dr. Mary) is a Michigan native. She completed her dental school training at the University of Detroit Mercy. She worked for a couple of years as a general dentist before she went back for pediatric dentistry training at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and became a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Mary's goal is to make sure each child has a positive experience at the dental office. She is an active member of the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, The Michigan Dental Association and The American Dental Association.
In her free time, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their family and friends. Dr. Mary also likes reading, traveling and taking her dog Oreo on long walks.
Meet Dr. Merrill
Dr. Merrill, originally a native of central Ohio, graduated with honors from Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science in Molecular Genetics. She then continued her schooling at the University of Michigan School Dentistry in Ann Arbor where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. She also completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Michigan before practicing in Chicago for several years. In 2015, she returned to Detroit and has had the pleasure of serving children locally since
Dr. Merrill is an active member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Detroit District Dental Society. When she's not in her scrubs, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family-- her husband, two energetic young daughters and their beloved bernedoodle, Mitten.
Dr. Merrill is honored to be able to serve your family and looks forward to meeting you!
Meet Dr. Hiba
Dr. Hiba AlSafi is a pediatric dentist. She completed her Bachelor of science degree at University of Florida. Later moving to Ann Arbor, she completed her DDS degree at University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She practiced general dentistry for two years. Then, she decided to follow her passion and continue her education at the Pediatric Dentistry program at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she became a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Hiba is married and has two young children, she enjoys traveling with family and she loves to cook and try out different recipes.
Meet Dr. Rayyan
Dr. Rayyan Jaber graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
After spending time volunteering at hospitals and schools, she grew to love working with children.
After dental school, she knew she wanted to commit to working as a pediatric dentist with the goal of creating a fun, safe and comfortable environment for our children where we are able to successfully and efficiently achieve and maintain oral care.
She spends most of her time in the office or at Children's Hospital, where she is completing her pediatric dentistry specialization. When she is not having fun with our kiddos and fighting "sugarbugs" she is hanging out with her four nieces and nephews.
Dr. Rayyan loves to travel, go out to eat, shop, binge tv shows, and read.
Meet Dr. Anna
Dr. Anna Kelman grew up in Michigan and completed her undergraduate degree in Biopsychology at the University of Michigan. She then went on to pursue her degree in dental surgery (DDS); also from the University of Michigan. Dr. Anna is now a general dentist who loves to work with children. In her free time she enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, and spending time with her family and friends
Meet Dr. Jordan
Dr. Jordan Duarte grew up in Michigan and completed her undergraduate degree at University of Detroit Mercy. She then moved to Boston to complete her graduate degree in dentistry (DMD) at Boston University.
Once back in Michigan, she completed her pediatric dental residency at Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Dr.Jordan is married to her husband, Michael. They have a dog named Mila who is the cutest little havashu and they love her very much. She loves to read books, bake, and craft when she can.
Meet Dr. Kim
Dr. Yoomin Kim grew up in multiple cities, including Seoul, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Chicago. She stayed in Chicago for her undergraduate studies where she attended Northwestern University and graduated with Honors. She then received her doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco. With her strong passion to care for children, she continued her education at BronxCare Health System where she completed a specialty program in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kim focuses on preventive care and strives to provide positive experiences for all children to guide them to have healthy smiles.
Dr. Kim is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Prior to pursuing a career in dentistry, she was a consultant working in Washington DC. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Kim enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
