Get to know Dr. Raya

My name is Dr. Raya Abu-Zahra, but I go by Dr. Raya.

I am a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, wife, and mom. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, and received my Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 2010, and went on to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2014. I then completed my residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in 2016.

I am dedicated to providing the highest quality dentistry to each child in a positive and nurturing environment. While in dental school, I served as chapter president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Chair of Give Kids a Smile, completed two pediatric focused dental mission trips to Guatemala, and volunteered many hours treating underserved populations. These experiences, along with my passion to work with children, fueled my passion for pediatric dental care. During my residency, I received extensive training in behavior management, use of nitrous oxide, sedation dentistry, and treatment of patients with special needs. I also spent a significant amount of time completing research with a focus on patients with special health care needs, and am proud to have written several published articles.

For the last few years, I have been practicing Pediatric Dentistry in New York City. During that time, I had a strong interest in health policy and understanding how to make effective changes in health care systems. I therefore pursued a weekend Executive Master’s Degree in Public Health, and a Postdoctoral Oral Health fellowship at Columbia University, and completed this program in 2020.

I am a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), and the College of Diplomates of the ABPD.

I recently moved to Springfield, Illinois with my husband and three young children, and am happy to reside in such a warm and welcoming community. I am excited to be a part of Springfield Pediatric Dentistry as a part-time Associate.

Fun facts about Dr. Raya:

  • Favorite snack: Chocolate covered pretzel thins

  • Favorite childhood movie: The Lion King

  • Favorite color: Turqoise and pink

  • When I’m not at the office I’m: Spending time with my family, taking walks and going to playgrounds, trying out new recipes, and reading.