All of our doctors are Specialists, which means they attended additional schooling to obtain the title of Pediatric Dentist. A Pediatric Dentist is a specialist who is dedicated specifically to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. They have special training to work with a wide variety of dental problems that are common to developing mouths. They are trained and qualified to deal with special needs children, and will work with pediatricians to develop a comprehensive plan that combines oral health with total health care.
Click on name to view Doctor Bios:
Aimee Martinez, D.M.D.
Carolina Akerman, D.M.D.
Teddi Litman D.M.D.
Michelle Smitley, D.M.D.
Gema Island D.D.S.
Dina K. Varon, D.D.S.
Tim Chen, D.M.D.
Manali Kanitkar, D.M.D.
Maria Chatani D.M.D.
Paola Tugendhat, D.M.D.
Helena Krajewski, D.D.S.
Jorge Landa, D.M.D.
Aimee Martinez, D.M.D.
Dr. Aimee Martinez received her degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998. She then completed her Pediatric Specialty training at the University of Missouri/Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Professional achievements include American Society of Dentistry for Children Merit Award-1998 and Colgate-Palmolive Poster Recognition-1997.
Following completion of her specialty training Dr. Martinez returned home to Miami. She has been in practice since 2000 at a thriving pediatric dental office in Hialeah, Florida. She currently resides in Miami Lakes with her husband.
As a pediatric dentist she is dedicated to providing her patients and their families with exceptional care and service. Together with her staff she strives to deliver optimal oral care in a safe and nurturing environment. She and her team work to ensure your child’s visit is a pleasant and rewarding experience. Her goal is to work alongside parents to ensure healthy and beautiful
Carolina Akerman D.M.D
 Dr. Carolina Akerman received her D.M.D. degree at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas in 1997. She joined her mother's practice in the prestigious Medical Center of Caracas, where she focused on treating children and adolescents. She then decided to pursue her love of learning by moving to Florida where she was admitted to the pediatric specialty program at Nova Southeastern University and subsequently the Advanced Standing program for International dentists.
She has worked as a Pediatric resident at the Miami Children's Hospital where she was able to help many children with traumatic facial and dental injuries. While pursuing the Advanced Standing program at Nova, she was offered a position as a teaching assistant in the Pediatric Dentistry Department. In this capacity she had the opportunity to prepare and deliver multiple lectures in the areas of Traumatic Dental Injuries, Pediatric Restorative Dentistry, Local Anesthesia and Behavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry to both undergraduate and post-doctoral dental students.
Dr. Akerman is proud to announce that her new pediatric practice will be located in Aventura, the community she calls home. Her clinical skills, experience and love of caring for the dental needs of children make Dr. Carolina Akerman the right choice for families and referring Dentists alike.
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Teddi Litman D.M.D
 Teddi Litman, D.M.D. has been a practicing pediatric dentistry for over 10 years. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and went on to receive her advanced degree in Pediatric Dentistry in 1995 from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Litman grew up in South Florida and attended North Miami Beach Sr. High. She went on to college at Emory University where she decided to pursue a career in dentistry.
Her office feature state-of-the-art equipment, televisions in the operatories, video games, toys and books in the waiting areas. Every detail is directed to making the visit to the dentist a positive one. Dr. Litman has been an integral part of that atmosphere through her exceptional and personal care she gives to her young patients.
She is affectionaly known as Dr. Teddi by her young patients and continues to grow her practice in the Kendall community.
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Elena Menéndez, D.M.D.
 Elena Menendez, D.M.D. received her dental degree from the New Jersey Schools of Dentistry in 1998 and completed a general dentistry residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1999. She obtained her pediatric specialty degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2001 and completed a residency at Miami Children's.
Dr. Menendez, a native of Miami, has been practicing dentistry for nearly ten years in South Florida. She currently sees patients at the Children's Dental Center in Kendall and Children's Dental Center in Plantation. Dr. Menéndez has dedicated her professional career to providing the highest quality clinical care while ensuring the environment is geared toward her little patients.
Her offices feature state-of-the-art equipment, televisions in the operatories, video games, toys and books in the waiting areas. Every detail is directed to making the visit to the dentist a positive one. Dr. Menéndez has been an integral part of that atmosphere through her exceptional and personal care she gives to her young patients. She currently resides in Miramar with her husband and son. She enjoys reading and watching movies.
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Michelle Smitley, D.M.D.
Dr. Michelle Smitley was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Orlando, FL. Dr. Smitley received her BS Degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Florida in
Gainesville. Following graduation, she completed her D.M.D. degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and was honored to receive the
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award of Merit.
Dr. Smitley continued on to complete her Pediatric Specialty training at Nova Southeastern University, providing treatment for children at Miami Children's Hospital, Broward General Hospital, and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Dr. Smitley is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA), and Florida Dental Association (FDA). She currently volunteers as Clinical Dental Director for Special Olympics "Special Smiles" and participates in international dental missions, providing dental care to underserved children in need abroad. Working together with Special Olympics and the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Smitley's research published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health strives to increase awareness and access to dental care for patients with special needs in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Dr. Smitley is happy to call South Florida home. She is an adventurous traveler passionate about nature and wildlife. In her spare time she enjoys the ocean,
biking, boating, diving and watching her favorite sports teams the Florida Gators, and Miami Heat!
Dr. Smitley is committed to providing her patients with a fun, gentle and caring "dental home" offering exceptional dental treatment in the safest manner possible. She practices at the Main Street office in Palmetto Bay.
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 Gema Island D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry In 2005, Dr. Island completed her Pediatric Dentistry training at TUFTS University in Boston Massachusetts.
While at Tufts, she received the prestigious Bates Award for her postgraduate research in developing a new technique for restoring severely destroyed primary anterior teeth.
In 2001, she worked at University of California, San Francisco at the San Francisco General Hospital participating in the project of Infant Oral Care and Prevention of
Early Childhood Caries. Through this program she continued to emphasize her belief in importance of preventing oral diseases and as a key factor in the maintenance
of the body's overall health. In 2000, she worked in a Pediatric and Orthodontic practice in one of the top hospitals in Mexico City.
In addition to providing top notch pediatric dental care to patients, she was Director of the Prevention Department and provided counseling to children and
expecting mothers regarding oral care. In 1998, Dr. Island was awarded a research fellowship to develop her thesis,
titled "Properties of Enamel Proteins", at the University of Southern California in the Center of Craniofacial Molecular Biology.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Island uses the latest technology in pediatric dentistry including the use of laser and air abrasion techniques.
Dr. Island combines her academic background, research experience, clinical skills, the latest advancements dental technology and her love of children to give the best
possible care to all of her patients. Dr. Island is specially trained to handle special needs patients, including behavioral and physical handicaps. She also provides oral
sedation and nitrous oxide for certain cases. She has published articles in peer reviewed journals and lectured internationally on different topics in pediatric dental health.
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Dina K. Varon, D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Dina Varon received her D.D.S. degree from the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, in Mexico City and, a Certificate and Masters degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Illinois at
Chicago Health Sciences Center. Dr. Varon has been in the practice of pediatric dentistry since 1983, involved in private, institutional and community services.
She has been faculty at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Medical Center since 1983, first as director of the pediatric dentistry clinic, comprehensive healthcare
program, and currently as pediatric dentistry consultant for the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, at the Mailman Center, Department of Pediatrics, Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Varon participated at the Dade County Dental Research Clinic, Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center in Miami, since 1986 as faculty of the Advanced Education Program in General Dentistry and
was also the Pediatric Dentistry section Chairman from 1994 to 2003. She is medical staff member at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and practices at Main Street Children's Dentistry in
Palmetto Bay.
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Timothy Chen D.M.D.
Dr. Chen attended the University of Florida and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Gainesville. He continued his studies at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Davie, Florida, where he was awarded his degree as a Doctor of Dental Medicine.
He received an additional two years of education to complete his specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine, as well as, a Hospital component at the Miami Children’s Hospital and the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Dr Chen volunteers in the Give Kids a Smile organization giving the kids in need dental treatment they deserve. Dr. Chen is also a proud volunteer of the Nova Southeastern University’s Medical Mission, to provide dental services to underprivileged patients throughout the rural areas of Jamaica.
Dr Chen loves the outdoors whether it’s participating in 5k runs or playing sports such as golf, soccer and basketball. He enjoys going to the gym, trying his best to stay healthy and fit. He is a fan of all sports. He was born in Toronto, Canada, was raised in St. Andrew, Jamaica and now resides in South Florida.
Professional Affiliations:
American board of Pediatric dentistry (AAPD)
American dental Association (ADA)
Florida dental Association (FDA)
South Florida dental assoc. (SFDA)
Certifications:
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
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Manali Kanitkar, DMD
Dr. Manali Kanitkar completed her postgraduate training in Pediatric
Dentistry from MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She
received her graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is
an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry,
American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. She
provides comprehensive oral/dental health care including treatment
under general anesthesia with privileges at Naples Community Hospital.
Dr. Kanitkar is from India but calls South Florida her home. She has
endured the cold weather and much rather enjoy the warm sunshine of
South Florida. She likes to travel and loves turtles.
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Maria Chatani D.M.D.
Dr. Maria Chatani grew up in South Florida where she attended Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. She then attended The University of Miami, in Coral Gables where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Chatani earned her Doctorate in Dentistry from the University Of Florida College Of Dentistry in Gainesville. Her Pediatric Dental Specialty training was done at Shands Hospital/University of Florida College of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She has been Board Certified since 2002.
Dr. Chatani was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society, while in dental school; also, she was given the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Award and the American Equilibration Society Award. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Atlantic Coast District Dental Association, the Broward County dental Association, and is a Past President of the Dade Dental Study Club.
Dr. Chatani has been practicing dentistry over 15 years. She taught the Pediatric Dental Residents at Miami Childrens Hospital and continues to have hospital privileges at MCH.
Dr. Chatani is very active in the local community though the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale and she served on the board of Directors for
Jack and Jill Children’s Center. It is evident that she enjoys interacting with her young patients and believes that a lifetime of great oral health starts
with great care from a young age.
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Paola Tugendhat, D.M.D.
Dr. Tugendhat has been practicing dentistry for over a decade. She received her degree in Pediatric Dentistry from Tufts University and has recently
Main Street Children's Dentistry in the brand new practice located in West Kendall.
As an active member in the dental community, Dr. Tugendhat is
Chairman of the Community Smiles program at Lindsey Hopkins in Miami. Originally from Ecuador, she is bringing her years of clinical expertise and love for
children to the growing community of West Kendall and looks forward to treating patients in her state-of-the-art practice.
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