Dr. Paul Creighton (UPD Dental Associates President and CEO)
Dr. Paul Creighton is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he completed both his dental degree and his specialty training in pediatric dentistry. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Louis University.
Dr. Creighton co-founded University Pediatric Dentistry in 1989.
Dr. Paul is as advisor to the Maternal and Infant Health Clinic and is the director of the Low Birth Weight/Premature Infant Dental Plate Program. He has published papers spanning numerous topics, many related to sedation and has also received multiple research grants in the Buffalo community. He also helps to direct many service activities throughout Buffalo including Give Kids a Smile Day and Smile Education Day.
Dr. Paul is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Eighth District Dental Society, the Erie County Dental Society, the Western New York Pediatric Dentistry Association and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Jamal Wells
Dr. Jamal Wells is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He is a dedicated and compassionate dentist and specialized in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for young patients to ensure that their dental experience is positive and stress free.
With a deep understanding of the unique needs of our patients, he is passionate about educating them on the importance of dental health. He is committed to staying at the forefront of dental care. Whether it's a routine check up or or a complex dental issue, Dr. Wells is dedicated to ensuring his patients leave the office with a smile.
Dr. Tawfiq Hazboun
Dr. Tawfiq Hazboun is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Dr. Hazboun joined the United States Navy where he received his Prosthodontics and Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, MD and served three years overseas as the Prosthodontics Department head for Naval Hospital, Rota Spain. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Hazboun is a member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Eighth District Dental Society, the American College of Prosthodontists, and the Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.
Dr. Christopher Heard
Dr. Heard graduated from Edinburgh University Medical School in Scotland and completed his anaesthesia residency and pediatric intensive care fellowship in England. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. He then completed his anesthesiology residency and a critical care fellowship at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
He is board certified in both Anesthesiology and Critical Care by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Dr. Heard provides anesthesiology at Oishei Children's Hospital as well as being a faculty member of the PICU. He runs a pediatric dental sedation clinic for University Pediatric Dentistry. He has a keen interest in clinical research in all of his areas of clinical practice as well as teaching.
Dr. Joseph Johnson
Dr. Joseph Johnson graduated from Temple University where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, Dr. Joe completed an advanced education in general dentistry residency program and served as a general dentist for 5 years in the U.S. Air Force.
While in the Air Force, he developed a passion for treating the oral health care needs of children, and pursued his pediatric specialty training at University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Joe is a member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Eight District Dental Society, the Erie County Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.
In his spare time, Dr. Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, and cheering on the the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres!
Dr. Rui Li
Dr. Li works in Buffalo, NY and specializes in General Dentistry, Endodontics and Prosthodontics.
Dr. Suketu Patel
Dr. Suketu Patel is a graduate of Ohio State University where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, and subsequently completed a general practice residency at the Medical College of Ohio. He completed his specialty training in pediatric dentistry through the University at Buffalo. “Dr. Suke” is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and joined University Pediatric Dentistry in 2005.
Dr. Suke is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Eighth District Dental Society, the New York State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the College of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Suke is married with three wonderful children and loves to spend time with friends and family. He enjoys traveling and is an avid Ohio State fan…Go Buckeyes!
Dr. Kathryn Pawlak
Dr. Kathryn Pawlak earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Before entering dental school, she began her mission in dental education by founding an IRS-registered 501(c)3 pediatric dentistry non-profit called Planet Smilez, where she serves as Executive Director and Founder. Her inspiration for Planet Smilez began as a child when she was first exposed to the inequalities in dental healthcare access and the impact it has on systemic health though her own family’s lack of access to oral health care. With Planet Smilez, she organized international dental service trips to the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago providing dental education for children. She also developed the Planet Smilez Discovering Dentistry Camp to enable middle school and high school students to experience the field of dentistry and provide mentorship opportunities.
She attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and was recognized nationally for her commitment to community engagement from the American Dental Education Association, Hispanic Dental Association, Dental Trade Alliance Foundation and Delta Dental Foundation.
Dr. Pawlak pursued her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. She was the recipient of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Resident Recognition Award for her passion in dental education and outreach during her residency training program. Dr. Pawlak is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She is the recipient of the Pugh Scholars Award for scoring in the top 3% of all candidates taking the written portion of the pediatric board exam by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Kathryn is a dedicated provider who is an advocate for all children’s oral health. Her interests include development of pathways programs for pre-dental students, the pediatric dentist’s role in management of hematology / oncology patients, and maternal infant oral health. She is passionate about dental education and currently teaches pre-doctoral dental students and post-doctoral pediatric dentistry residents.
Dr. Kelly Rose
Dr. Kelly Rose is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she completed both her dental degree and her specialty training in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kelly is Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and joined University Pediatric Dentistry in 2004. Dr. Kelly completed her undergraduate education at SUNY at Cortland, and earned her teaching certificate as well as a Master of Science degree from SUNY at Fredonia.
Dr. Kelly presented on research she completed at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Annual Meeting in San Francisco, “Investigation of the relationship of oral hygiene, oral bacteriology and respiratory disease in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia.”
Dr. Kelly is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Eighth District Dental Society, the New York State Dental Society, the Erie County Dental Society, the Western New York Pediatric Dentistry Association and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Rose is married and has four beautiful children to keep her busy at home!
Dr. Taylor Squires
Dr. Taylor Squires is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He completed his orthodontic specialty training at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, NY, and is a board certified orthodontist.
He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics and serves as the Vice President of the Monroe County Dental Society. There he chairs and leads a pre-dental club for high school students, interested in careers in dentistry.
Outside the office, Dr. Squires loves to play guitar and perform with his band. He also enjoys hiking, biking, and golf.
Dr. Eugena Stephan
Dr. Eugena B. Stephan is a prosthodontist. She provides advice on proper dental prosthetics, 
such as crowns and bridges. She practices general dentistry at University Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Kaitlyn Taylor
Dr. Timothy Votta
Dr. Timothy Votta is a dual degree (MD, DDS) oral and maxillofacial surgeon, board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
In 1994, he graduated from Cornell University, receiving his bachelor's degree in microbiology. After finishing his undergraduate degree, Dr. Votta accepted a research position at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. There, he conducted and co-authored NIH-funded research in cell biology/reproductive physiology in the laboratory of Dr. Susan Suarez. Following his experience in research, Dr. Votta attended Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine. He received his dental degree in 2002. At Columbia, Dr. Votta was editor-in-chief of the Columbia Dental Review and conducted research with Dr. Louis Mandel that was published in the New York State Dental Journal. After dental school, Dr. Votta was accepted into the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program at the University of Buffalo. In 2005, he graduated with his medical degree from the Jacob's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. In 2006, he completed a one-year internship in general surgery, graduating from his Oral and Maxillofacial surgery residency in 2008.
Dr. Votta holds hospital privileges at Kaleida Health's John R. Oishei Children's Hospital and is an active American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons member. He has published numerous case studies focusing on malignancies of the head and neck region and currently conducts pediatric anesthesia research with Dr. Christopher Heard. Dr. Votta also owns a growing private practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Buffalo LLC, located in Buffalo's Elmwood Village.
Originally from West Islip, New York, Dr. Votta was an All-County football player for his high school football team. He currently resides in Buffalo with his daughter Accalia Rose and son Jay. His daughter, Renata, a 2019 Fordham University graduate, lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Maureen Wood
Born and raised in the greater Rochester NY area, Dr. Wood founded Rochester Family Orthodontics to serve her hometown community with better and more attentive orthodontic care and partners with UPD to provide excellent service to WNY.
Dr. Wood believes clear communication and individualized treatment are what establishes lasting relationships with patients. She listens to patients to understand their smile goals and provide the best available solutions. Her continued education and training further patients’ comfort in her care.
In addition to educating her patients about their oral health, Dr. Wood is a part-time clinical instructor at Eastman Institute of Oral Health, where she educates future orthodontists on the latest practices of the specialty.
Dr. Juan F. Yepes
Dr. Juan F. Yepes is originally from Colombia, South America. He moved to the United States in 1998 and became a proud U.S. citizen in 2008. Dr. Juan is both a dentist (DDS)and a physician (MD) from Javeriana University at Bogota, Colombia. In 1999, Dr. Juan moved to the U.S. and attended the University of Iowa and the University of Pennsylvania where he completed his fellowship and residency in Radiology and Oral Medicine respectively in 2002 and 2004.
In 2006, Dr. Yepes completed a Master in Public Health (MPH) degree, and in 2011 a Doctoral Degree in Public Health (DrPH) at the University of Kentucky, College of Public Health. Both degrees had an emphasis in Epidemiology. In 2008, Dr. Juan completed a residency program in Dental Public Health at the University of Texas, Baylor College of Dentistry. Finally, in 2012 he completed a certificate and Master of Science degree in pediatric dentistry at the University of Kentucky. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Oral Medicine, the American Board of Dental Public Health and is currently an associate professor in pediatric dentistry at Indiana University.
Dr. Xiomara Jamarillo-Restrepo
Dr. Xiomara Restrepo was born and raised in Cali, Colombia. In 2001, she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) and graduated with the highest honors as Class Valedictorian from the Universidad del Valle. She practiced general dentistry in Columbia for five years before moving to Rochester, NY, in 2005.
In 2006, Dr. Restrepo completed a Fellowship in the Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Program at Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. Remaining at the Institute, she then completed a Post-Graduate Advanced Education in Dentistry residency in 2008 and a General Practice residency in 2010.
Drawn to the orthodontic specialty, in 2012 Dr. Restrepo completed her orthodontic training, with a residency through the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Eastman.
In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Restrepo is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Dr. Restrepo feels privileged to change smiles. And she loves that she is also able to make considerable – even life-changing – improvement for people with craniofacial deformities, TMJ-TMD, chronic pain, and sleep apnea.
She strives to provide the best care by using her skills as a compassionate human and a competent professional to diagnose and treat patients through orthodontics.