Meet Dr. Paula Gomez

Dr. Paula is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to Iowa City, Iowa when she was eight years old. Dr. Paula graduated with honors from The University of Iowa with a B.A in Studio Arts, and continued her education at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Immediately upon graduation she completed a two-year post-graduate residency specializing in pediatric dentistry at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She received a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Masters Degree in Oral Science.

During her residency, Dr. Paula served as Chief Resident and received advanced training in providing comprehensive and emergency dental care for children of all ages and special needs. Her research in oral cancer and biomarkers in the saliva of children with Sjögren syndrome has been published in several medical journals. After completing her specialty training, Dr. Paula practiced in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she spent three years caring for infants, adolescents and patients with special needs. She was also on staff at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where she preformed full mouth rehabilitations under general anesthesia. She will continue to serve as an attending doctor at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago while working at Growing Smiles. Dr. Paula has provided volunteer dental services at the Iowa and Wisconsin Mission of Mercy events, the Free Medical Clinic in Iowa City, and several other outreach programs in her communities. She is a strong advocate for children’s oral health and is passionate about working with kids. She believes that preventive education is very important and is excited to make each dental visit a fun experience!

Dr. Paula is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and also holds a Pediatric Dentistry specialty certificate in the state of Illinois. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, the Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society.

Outside of work, Dr. Paula enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, Pilates, playing tennis, dancing, and trying new places to eat. She enjoys the Latin culture and is fluent in English and Spanish!