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Pediatric Dental Resident, PGY-1
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL
University of Illinois at Chicago
Dr. Kagei was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Human Biology from Emory University, where she was also a member of the varsity cross country and track and field teams. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in global and community health. She participated in a public health program in India and completed an undergraduate thesis examining maternal attitudes toward pediatric immunization in rural Udaipur, an experience that strengthened her commitment to addressing health disparities in underserved populations.
Following graduation, Dr. Kagei served as an AmeriCorps Fellow in Birmingham, Alabama, where she worked in community-based programs focused on expanding access to health and social services. She subsequently pursued graduate training at Tulane University in New Orleans, earning a Master’s of Science in Biochemistry.
Dr. Kagei went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco. She was awarded the International College of Dentists’ Humanitarian Award for her leadership as president of California Public Health Association North, an organization that promotes oral health education and accessible care through events like Give Kids a Smile Day.
She is currently a first-year pediatric dentistry resident (PGY-1) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, pursuing an MS in Orofacial Sciences and an MPH in Healthcare Administration. She is engaged in research examining risk factors and dental anomalies associated with molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH), a condition that can significantly impact oral health outcomes in children.
Outside of her clinical and research responsibilities, Dr. Kagei enjoys exploring Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene, attending Orangetheory Fitness classes, and training for her first marathon. She is deeply committed to improving access to oral healthcare and hopes to pursue a career serving children and families in a community health center.