Dr. Simon Cheirif founded  Dental Associates for Kids Only . Since those early days we have grown tremendously.  Dr. Simon Cheirif  was born in Mexico City  were he attended the Autonomous University of Mexico Dental School graduating Cum-Lauda and Valedictorian of his class in 1981.

Awarded the Lincoln-Juarez scholarship he completed a two year residency in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University Dental School as well as his Doctor in Dental Sciences from the same.

Doctor Cheirif has been an Associate Clinical Professor at New York University for over ten years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Associate Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, The New York Dental Society and The Hispanic Medical and Dental Society of New York.

Doctor Cheirif has authored several scientific publications and has lectured  Nationally and Internationally in several subjects in Pediatric Dentistry. He is also a Diplomate Of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

He lives in Roslyn with his wife Bonnie and three daughters. He is an active athlete who likes to stay in top physical shape participating in many sports events and has coached several of his daughters teams.

Shirley K. Molina, D.M.D.

Dr. Shirley Molina grew up in Great Neck and graduated from Great Neck South High School.  She then received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hispanic Language and Literature from SUNY Stony Brook in 1998.  She pursued her dental studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 2002.  Dr. Molina then continued her studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) completing a two year residency in Pediatric Dentistry in 2004.  During her second year at UMDNJ she served as chief resident and taught the undergraduate dental students in the Pediatric Dental Clinic.  Dr. Molina has worked in private practice in Plainview, Rockville Centre, and Roslyn since completing her residency and has been with DAFKO since 2005.

Dr. Molina is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association and the Nassau County Dental Society.  Dr. Molina is also board eligible. 

Dr. Molina recently moved to nearby Glen Head.  She and her husband recently expanded their family with the addition of their daughter Camila.  She enjoys the simple pleasures in life, spending time with her family and traveling.

Catherine A. Pagano, D.M.D

Dr. Catherine Pagano earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Adelphi University where she also minored in Forensic Anthropology. She attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine graduating in 2004.  In 2005 Dr. Pagano completed a one year General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center.  She went on to Lutheran Medical Center where she completed two years of training in Pediatric Dentistry in 2007.  While at Lutheran Medical Center Dr. Pagano served as chief resident.  Since completing her residency Dr. Pagano has been with Dental Associates for Kids, LLP working full-time. 

Dr. Pagano was certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) in 2008.  She has also been a member of various dental and medical organizations including American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Dental Association, Nassau County Dental Society and the New York State Dental Association.

For many years Dr. Pagano has participated in numerous school health and child identification programs.  She has also been fortunate to travel as far as Trinidad & Tobago to treat sick children requiring extensive dental care.  She hopes to be able to do this again in the near future.  Dr. Pagano is married and enjoys working on her home with her husband, cooking, reading and figure skating.