Mom-Founded. Female-Owned. Family-Focused Care.
Dr. Neelon Patel founded Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry in Naperville with a simple, powerful mission: to offer exceptional dental care in a space where children of all ages feel safe, valued, and truly at home. Every visit is an opportunity to empower your child, making them feel confident in their smile and in the care they receive. With a focus on comfort, trust, and personalized attention, Pinky Promise is more than just a dentist’s office—it’s a place where your child’s dental health journey begins with a promise to always put their needs first.
Dr. Neelon Patel, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, is originally from Troy, MI. She completed her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Lyman Briggs Physiology with a specialization in Bioethics, Humanities, and Society. After graduating, she pursued dentistry and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Michigan. While she was in dental school, she enjoyed giving back to the community and promoting oral health programs for children. Given her compassion and patience towards children, she naturally chose to work with children.
After dental school, she continued her advanced academic endeavors at the University of Michigan and earned a Master of Science degree in Pediatric Dentistry. She was trained extensively in monitoring a child’s oral growth and development as well as treating medically compromised children. In addition to this, Dr. Neelon Patel is well trained in the management of extensive dental needs and is able to perform full mouth rehabilitation.
Not only is Dr. Neelon Patel a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, but she is also an Illinois State Board Certified pediatric dentist. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentists, American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Association and Illinois Dental Society.
She currently lives in Naperville, IL with her incredible husband, their adorable son and daughter, and their fur baby (Rocky). During her free time she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being outdoors, traveling, arts and crafts, and dancing. She is classically trained in a few styles of Indian dance and loves supporting the arts and cultural activities. Dr. Neelon Patel truly feels very grateful to have the opportunity to care for your children.
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Dr. Raya Abu Zahra, DDS, MPH, FAAPDRaised in suburban Detroit, Dr. Raya earned both her B.S. (2010) and DDS (2014) from the University of Michigan. She then completed her pediatric dental residency at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, gaining advanced experience in behavior guidance, nitrous oxide and IV sedation, and comprehensive care for children with special health care needs.
Early practice in Queens and Manhattan ignited her passion for health policy, prompting her to pursue an Executive Master’s in Public Health and a HRSA funded Postdoctoral Oral Health Fellowship at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health (2020). She has since mentored future dentists as adjunct faculty at NYU College of Dentistry and published peer reviewed articles focused on special needs dentistry.Throughout her training, Dr. Raya served as AAPD chapter president, chaired Give Kids a Smile, and joined two pediatric dental mission trips to Guatemala. These experiences cemented her commitment to compassionate, community focused care. She remains an active member of the ADA, AAPD, ABPD, and the College of Diplomates of the ABPD.
Now calling Chicago’s western suburbs home, Dr. Raya lives with her husband and children and loves being part of this vibrant community. She is thrilled to join the Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry team, where she looks forward to partnering with families to deliver gentle, evidence based care that helps every child smile with confidence.
Our team is committed to keeping dental care fun and exciting for our little patients. We treat every child that walks through our doors with the same level of compassion and understanding at every step of their visit, to help foster a healthy relationship with their oral health.
Meet Daniela! She has been in the dental field since 2018 and she is passionate about providing the best care and support to our patients and families. It is important to her that every child has a positive experience when they come into our office. In her free time, Daniela enjoys working out and spending time with her amazing son.
With 8 years in the dental field and currently working as an office manager, Sarah balances her professional life with a passion for baking, thanks to her time in culinary school. Outside of work, she is a proud parent to four amazing kids and loves spending time with her fiancé. You’ll often find them at concerts or enjoying family vacations, creating memories wherever they go!
Jenifer is a dedicated healthcare professional with seven years of experience in the medical field and a newfound passion for dentistry. Outside of work Jenifer loves spending quality time with her daughter, exploring new restaurants, and staying active in the gym. With a commitment to growth and learning, she is excited to embrace new challenges in the dental industry while balancing a fulfilling personal life.
With 8 years in the dental field and currently working as an office manager, Sarah balances her professional life with a passion for baking, thanks to her time in culinary school. Outside of work, she is a proud parent to four amazing kids and loves spending time with her fiancé. You’ll often find them at concerts or enjoying family vacations, creating memories wherever they go!
Meet Anahi! It is her mission to provide a fun and positive dental experience for every child. She enjoys educating children and families about the importance of good oral health. When not in the office, Anahi is in school pursuing a degree in dental hygiene. In her free time Anahi enjoys spending quality time with her friends and siblings.
Meet Sydney! Sydney is passionate about providing individualized care and support to our patients and families. With a background in special needs Dentistry, Sydney is a natural at making our patients feel comfortable and cared for. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys giving back to the her community and spending quality time with her family and dog, Lola.
Meet Kiru! Originally from India, Kiru made Chicago her home since 2009. With a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of positivity, Kiru is dedicated to providing the best possible care and education to her patients. Outside of the office, she cherishes every moment spent with her two lively kids, indulging in her love for reading books and listening to music. Despite working in a dental office, Kiru has a sweet tooth for chocolates and cakes, but rest assured, she always remembers to brush and floss after enjoying these treats!
The nation’s premier dental magazine, published by Benco Dental, recognizes exceptional practitioners for the 13th year. Fall edition will spotlight Dental Specialists and General Dentists.
Dr. Neelon Patel has been named one of the 2023 “40 Under 40” by Incisal Edge dental lifestyle magazine. For a 13th consecutive year, Incisal Edge celebrates brilliant achievers in dentistry, ages forty and under, with its signature award.
Dr. Neelon Patel’s dedication to her community doesn’t stop when she leaves the office. She loves going to schools and daycares to educate children and get them excited about the importance of their oral health. A firm believer that dental education is the first step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles, she brings the same enthusiasm and compassion to her speaking events, to show little ones that taking care of their teeth and gums can be fun!
We accept all PPO insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid or HMO policies. For our uninsured patients, ask us about our Membership Plan, Pinky Perks!
