Meet Our Team

Office Manager

Carmela

I am the Office Manager of Tidy Smiles in Palatine IL, as well as English Rows Dental in Naperville IL. I have been in the Dental field for 6 years. I take pride in my role as an Office Manager with Bright Direction Dental. I have always wished to be in the position I am today and am extremely grateful for the office and staff I have. I am a wife of 16 years to an Active Duty Army Solider, and a mother to my daughters 14, and 5 years old. We love having family time, playing with our dog Queenie, and enjoy making memories together.

Front Desk Coordinator

Marina

I am a front desk coordinator with over 10 years of experience in the dental field. I'm committed to helping patients reach their perfect smile by providing personalized care.

Dental Assistant

Jennifer

I have been in the dental field for about 7 years now. I truly love what I do! I am passionate about helping others and educating them on their oral health. I also love meeting and connecting with my patients. I have a 9-year-old son who I enjoy spending time my free time with. One of my favorite hobbies is spending time outdoors; I love nature and all that it offers. You can find me outdoors with my son, the gym or at home with family.

Dr. Shahad Elttayef

Dr. Elttayef is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with over 10 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Dr. Elttayef is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to patients of all ages in a professional, caring, and comfortable way. Known for her gentle approach and commitment to patient comfort.

Education
  • University of Pennsylvania, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
  • University of Tikrit, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Certifications and Continuing Education
  • Certified in Invisalign and Clear Aligners
  • Certified in placing implants and bone grafts
  • Attends annual dental conferences and workshops to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry
Professional Affiliations
  • Member of American Dental Association (ADA)
  • Member of Illinois State Dental Society
  • Member of Chicago Dental Society
  • Member of Chicago Dental Society
  • Member of Spear Education
  • Member of Clearly Aligned Educational Group
Personal Interests Outside of the dental office, Dr. Elttayef enjoys cooking, Sewing, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband and daughter. She is also passionate about advocating for oral health education and wellness in her community.

Dr. Jay Patel

Dr. Patel chose dentistry because he wanted to have the ability to create beautiful and healthy smiles. He loves his profession, which he also describes as his passion. He completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois and his residency in Orthodontics at Indiana University. Since then, he continues to attend education courses in orthodontics to keep on top of the latest industry developments.

His Credentials 

Education

  • Undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Physiology at Southern Illinois
  • Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois (1986)

Experience

  • Practicing dentistry since 1986
  • Residency in Orthodontics at Indiana University (1988)

Memberships

  • American Dental Assocation
  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Midwestern Society of Orthodontics
  • American Association of Orthodontics

Fun Fact

  • Dr. Patel’s heroes are Ghandi and Mother Teresa – they are both inspirations to millions.

Dr. Lindbergh Norris

Dr. Norris received his Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California.

He was raised here in our community and, along with Doctors Goldberg and Greenebaum, is a proud Homewood-Flossmoor High School alum.

His dental career has focused on general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, as well as oral surgery.Dr. Norris believes that doctors must educate those they serve to understand the value of their Oral Health. He also believes that doctors need to listen to their patients to learn about who they are. Through that understanding, we can truly transform their health and quality of life.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Norris enjoys weightlifting and muay thai kickboxing, as well as finding new restaurants and cooking new dishes.

Dr. Chris Hudetz

Dr. Chris Hudetz is a 3rd generation dentist following in the footsteps of his Mother, whom he started his career working alongside, and his Grandfather who practiced in the Chicago area for decades.  

Dr. Chris grew up in Plainfield and attended Joliet Catholic High School after which he went to the University of Michigan to get his BSE in Computer Engineering. After 7 years of software development and consulting Dr. Chris realized that he needed a career change and decided to take the leap and go to dental school. He attended the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and after graduating in 2005 began his dental career at Saddlewood Family Dentistry with his mother, Dr Pat.

After expanding the practice and moving to English Rows Dental Group Dr. Chris has enjoyed nearly 20 years of practice in the Naperville/Plainfield area, where he grew up, having the opportunity to take care of thousands of patients including family, friends, and neighbors his entire career. In his free time Dr. Chris enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, cooking, growing lots of food in his garden, and watching his Wolverines on game day.