Arwa Owais, DDS is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with 25 years of experience. She is an honors graduate of The University of Iowa College of Dentistry, an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Owais is also an American Board-Certified Dental Public Health Specialist. Additionally, she is currently the Vice President of the Pediatric Oral Health Research Group at The American and International Association of Dental Research. Dr. Owais has extensive experience with all aspects of pediatric dentistry for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. She has extensive experience in treating children with special health care needs, medically compromised children, and children with orofacial clefts. Above all, she is a mother of four children, the youngest twins are Texans and were born prematurely. Her practice philosophy is that each child is unique and they deserve the best quality dental care they and their family expect. She has an open-door policy and continuous direct communication with parents. Dr. Owais’ care delivery is based on the prevention of dental disease, medical management of dental caries, and treatment of children in the most comfortable and conservative approach that builds a positive attitude toward dental health. She is certified in laser dentistry for soft and hard tissues, including tongue tie revision, upper lip tie frenectomy, and is a Solea dental laser provider. Additionally, she is also an Invisalign-certified specialist and works with children and their families to stop harmful habits such as thumb sucking. She is a Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider and is licensed to provide dental care under sedation and general anesthesia for children requiring more extensive dental treatment.

Melissa Otero, DMD grew up in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. She realized she wanted to be a dentist when she was in the 6th grade after getting braces. Dr. Otero earned her undergrad degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she studied Biology. She later earned her Doctorate at the University Of Puerto Rico School Of Dental Medicine. She graduated in 2005. She had an amazing experience and it was throughout this time where she was confident that she would be happy doing dentistry. Dr. Otero feels very fortunate to have volunteered with The Boys & Girls Club in Puerto Rico. She enjoys changing people’s lives on a daily basis. In her spare time, Dr. Otero enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters who are the joys of her life.

Rodrigo Viecilli, DDS, PhD trained as an undergraduate in Aerospace Engineering, also known as Rocket Science! After dental school he completed his orthodontic training, along with a PhD in Oral Biology (Biomechanics) from Indiana University. He is one of two orthodontists from Indiana to win the prestigious Milo Hellman Award, the highest North American research honor in Orthodontics. He is the only one to ever complete all American Board of Orthodontics patient case requirements within two years, during his Residency. He was approved as a prospective member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists, Midwest Component and has been board certified since 2011. Dr. Viecilli is the inventor of the Smartarch, the most sophisticated orthodontic wire ever designed, currently commercialized by the largest orthodontic company in the world. He loves the challenge of treating patients of all ages and has extensive experience with Invisalign and surgically assisted accelerated Orthodontics and Lingual Orthodontics. He strives to provide the best aesthetic outcome for his patients utilizing the most efficient and scientific treatment possible. Dr. Viecilli enjoys cooking, music, weightlifting, traveling and reading philosophy. He was also a ranked chess player for many years in Brazil, winning several local championships.

Shabnam Toopchi, DDS is an accomplished pediatric dentist who has a strong enthusiasm for providing healthcare for children. Born and raised in Iran, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Tehran Azad University, Dental Center in 2013. Upon her graduation, she practiced dentistry in a small village near her hometown, Tehran. Exploring dentistry made her more eager to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric dentist. Joining Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts as a pediatric resident laid down her first concrete steps toward pursuing her passion. During her training, she successfully treated several patients with different backgrounds and healthcare needs. Her career continued after graduation as an assistant professor in academia at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Teaching dental students gave her the opportunity to grow and make pediatric dentistry a strong commitment in her career and life. Dr. Toopchi is so grateful to have an opportunity to meet and help children. In addition to her invaluable experience, she brings unlimited enthusiasm and a love of children to Hill Country Pediatric Dentistry. She enjoys putting smiles on kids’ faces and watching them be happier and healthier. She loves the challenge of treating children’s dental needs while developing a bond of trust, confidence and friendship with them. In her spare time, Dr. Toopchi loves spending time with her family and friends. Cooking is her favorite hobby, and she loves traveling to other countries around the world to meet and become familiar with different people, cultures and cuisines.