Q: What got you into this specific medical field?
A: I was offered a job dental assisting for a family friend and local dentist. I had always been interested in medicine but seeing dentistry first hand made up my mind to be a dentist. Even before dental school, I knew very well the ins and the outs of a dental practice and I loved all of it.
Q: What landed you in your city, and what is it that you like about the neighborhood?
A: My husband and I have always loved this area. I grew up in the southwest suburbs and when we began looking for a home, we knew it had to be here. I am very lucky to have taken over a very caring practice overseen by a local dentist when he was ill. The western suburbs are much like the practice; everyone is caring and giving so we make a good match.
Q: Where did you receive your undergraduate and professional degrees, and did you participate in any residencies?
A: I received three degrees all from the University of Illinois at Chicago: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Dentistry, and the Doctor of Dental Surgery. I did not participate in a residency.
Q: Do you belong to any professional associations?
A: I belong to the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society in which I am on the board of the Southwest Suburban branch, the American Association of Women Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and am the past President of the Dental Arts Club of Chicago (a Polish-American dental club).
Q: What year did you begin practicing?
A: 2009
Q: What investments in your practice equipment and facilities have you made?
A: We moved to our current facility in 2013 and enjoy a comfortable and modern office. When I took over the practice I immediately turned a paper-chart practice into an almost completely electronic records practice. We have incorporated the ease of digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and a soft tissue laser. I have also purchased a rotary endodontics system for root canals and a piezo scaler for better and more comfortable cleanings. We also have a state-of-the-art sterilizer for supreme safety.
Q: What procedures do you feel your practice excels in above others?
A: We are a down to earth practice excelling in general care. This means we do great tooth-colored (composite) fillings, use the newest technology in crowns, bridges, and implants, and cater to kids. As I am a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Illinois at Chicago teaching at the Children's Clinic in Oak Park, I keep at the leading edge of information in all these aspects.
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Mondays 8:30-6:00, Tuesdays 8:30-5:00, Thursdays 12:00-7:00, Fridays 8:30-1:30, and Saturdays 8:30-1:30.
Q: What HMO or PPO providers are you in network with? Do you offer financing?
A: We are in Network with MetLife Dental, Guardian, Delta Premier, Cigna Radius, Principle, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Maverest. We do offer in-house financing as well as discounts for seniors and cash-paying patients.
Q: Do you accept any government programs or discount cards?
A: We will submit to Government programs but do not participate. We offer our own discounts as needed.
Q: What are the most challenging parts of your everyday practice?
A: The most challenging part of my every day practice is trying to balance efficient dental care while still providing plenty of time for discussion of treatment plans, patient education, and getting to know my patients personally.
Q: What are the best moments that make it worthwhile?
A: The best moments are when patients who have been reticent to smile for years due to embarrassment about their teeth give me a smile and words of thanks. Also when parents report that their children, who had been previously fearful of the dentist, can't wait to come back to get their teeth cared for.
