Dr. Denise Maniakouras (“Dr. Denise”), founder of Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry, is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Denise completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She obtained her D.D.S. degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Dr. Denise was selected as Chief Resident of her pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago earning a certificate a Masters degree in Public Health.
In 2011-2012, Dr. Denise served the Chicago area as an Albert Schweitzer fellow. She developed and implemented an outreach program to educate and provide dental care for children in underserved areas. Dr. Denise has also traveled to Zacapa, Guatemala with Hearts In Motion (H.I.M) to provide oral health care to children and families in remote areas.
Dr. Denise is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and is currently a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Her true passion is working with children and building relationships with the families she cares for. Dr. Denise strives to provide quality dental care to children in a safe and relaxing environment. Dr. Denise understands that every child is unique and so are their dental needs. She takes pride in helping children build a healthy dental future. In her free time, Dr. Denise spends time with her husband, George, and her kids, Alex, Dean & Mia. She enjoys being a mom and spending time with her family. She sincerely looks forward to meeting you soon!
Dr. Marissa Dziepak (“Dr. Marissa”) is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and is very excited to have returned home to her native Chicagoland area and to have joined Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry to serve and advocate for our little patients!
She studied Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She obtained her D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where she graduated with honors in serving patients with medical complexities and as a leader in community oral health programs, such as Penn Smiles. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, CO where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident. Dr. Marissa is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society.
From an early age, Dr. Marissa recognized her passion for working with children. She is committed to providing comfortable and positive dental experiences that support and address each of her patient’s individual needs, striving to create life-long healthy dental patients.
Dr. Marissa is very happy to be back home in Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and traveling with her husband, Andrew.
Making the move back to the Midwest, Dr. Paulina went on to pursue her pediatric specialty training and Masters degree in Oral Sciences at the University of Illinois in Chicago. While in residency, her research was recognized nationally by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentist, earning the Graduate Student Research Award.
In her spare time, Dr. Paulina loves exploring the outdoors and travelling, and is always seeking her next adventure. She loves to stay active with hiking, rollerblading, and running along the lake shore. When not outdoors, you can find her checking out local live music and sporting events, or spending time with her dogs.
She is so excited to continue calling the Chicagoland area her home and to serve the needs of the surrounding community as a member of the Bite Size team!
Dr Janice Lubas graduated from Loyola School of Dentistry. Followed by a two years pediatric specialty training at Children’s Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is distinguish member of American academy of pediatric dentistry, ADA, ISPD, CDS and Healthy Smiles Healthy Children.
Dr. Lubas is on staff at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital and is called in by many physicians to treat their patients before surgeries. She also spends time in the cranial facial clinic at the hospital advising and treating patients with complicated medical histories and special health care needs.
With her love and dedication, Dr. Lubas continues to be an active member in her dental community. She treats children from Catholic Charities and handicapped women at Mt. St. Joseph. She has organized and participated in dental mission trips to Bosnia and Nicaragua.
Dr. Lubas wants every child’s experience to be a happy one. She also advises parents on diet and brushing so they can keep their children smile’s beautiful. Happy patients and educated parents is her mission.
Dr. Gruendeman graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry followed by five years of teaching. After obtaining his orthodontic certificate he stayed on as a full time associate professor of orthodontics. He is a well respected member of the American Association of Orthodontists and Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital Craniofacial team.
Dr. Gruendeman has a reputation of treating each patient with a individual plan for their perfect smile. He keeps up with the latest technology to insure the best results. His good nature and love of sports makes him a favorite among his patients.
