Dentistry is the perfect profession for me, because it allows me to combine my love for the sciences with my love for art. It is one thing to be scientifically accurate, but another to be able to perform and create in an artful manner. That’s what makes it so rewarding.
I have been a dentist for more than 25 years, and love my job so much that I cannot imagine doing anything else! The fact that I help people regain or keep their highest level of oral health, and ultimately their total health, is so rewarding to me. Giving someone their smile back is the ultimate joy for me. I love getting to know patients, finding out what they want to achieve, and then working together as a team to achieve their goals.
Giving you the utmost quality of care is important to me and my team. Our passion is to help you achieve your dental vision and fulfill your comprehensive health. Our patients are the focus of our practice; we are grateful to have such a unique and wonderful little community! We hope that you will take from our office not only a positive experience, but comfort, peace of mind, and confidence in your dental health and appearance.
Education and Continuing Education
I received my Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Creighton University in 1986, and my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry in 1990. Next, I completed my general practice residency at Hines VA Hospital in 1991.
I enjoy being a lifelong learner. Technology and materials advance rapidly, and I welcome the challenge of keeping current so my patients will benefit from better materials and education. My postgraduate dental education has included:
- Misch International Institute implant program in surgical components
- Fellowship status at the Misch Institute
- Hornbrook Institute for advanced training in full-mouth rehabilitation
- Advanced training in sleep apnea
Professional Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow and Master
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- Illinois State Dental Society
- Chicago Dental Society
Outside the Office
I am proud to be a fifth-generation Lemont native and to have raised my two children in this wonderful community. My daughter Megan is a recent speech pathology graduate and is now working in a nursing/rehab center. My son Kyle is a senior at Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business. I have two Kerry Blue Terriers, Leo and Stella, that we call “the twins” since they are from the same litter. They not only have a lot of energy, but the whitest teeth you will find on any dog!
In my free time, I like to keep my mind and body active. Most of the time, that leads me to the great outdoors. I put at least 1,000 miles on my bikes yearly. I also kayak, run, and hike. A great day for me is to hike around a forest preserve or be on the water with friends and family, then share a meal together and laugh. Sometimes the best places to explore are in our own backyards! I also do yoga to keep me balanced mentally and physically — whoever thought that spending time on a mat could be so challenging in many ways?
I also love to travel and explore. I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, and was recently in Ireland with my children learning to drive on the other side of the road, enjoying the Irish country/music/people, and finding some great pubs along the way.
I feel it is important to volunteer and give back to the community. Most of the time, I find that I get more out of volunteering than the people I do it for! I’ve been a Girl Scout leader for more than ten years, was active in large fundraising events for my children’s school, and served for six years on the Lemont High School Educational Foundation, including a year as president.