Q: What got you into this specific medical field?
A: Dentistry is a unique profession. It is a healing profession, and helping people is extremely important to me. At the same time, performing dentistry taps into my creative and artistic side, which I enjoy very much.
Q: What landed you in your city, and what is it that you like about the neighborhood?
A: I am from Chicago. After dental school, I worked as a Dental Resident at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, which is close to where I chose to start my private practice. I am located in a beautiful part of the city, and I am happy I am not located "downtown". I love the diversity in my practice, and we welcome everyone!
Q: Where did you receive your undergraduate and professional degrees, and did you participate in any residencies?
A: I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign in 1983 for my undergraduate degree. I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1987. I completed my residency at IMMC in 1989.
Q: What year did you begin practicing?
A: I opened my private practice, Sheffield Square Dental Care, in 1989.
Q: Do you belong to any professional associations?
A: I belong to the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, and Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity.
Q: What investments in your practice equipment and facilities have you made?
A: We have the very best technology modern dentistry has to offer: Digital X-Rays, Intra-Oral camera, and the E4D CAD-CAM In-Office Milling System. The E4D allows to make "same-day" crowns using computers, which eliminates the need for impressions, temporary crowns, and a 2nd appointment for cementation.
Q: What procedures do you feel your practice excels in above others?
A: We are experts in the treatment of periodontal disease. Our restorative and cosmetic dentistry is exceptional. Most of the work we perform is without the use of metal, and we are a "mercury-free" practice.
Q: What are the most challenging parts of your everyday practice?
A: We try to help our patients understand the condition of their mouths. We use educational tools, such as videos, models, pictures of their own teeth, to help this process. Still, many people have the mindset that if something does not hurt, it can't be too bad. It is better to fix problems before they hurt or before a tooth fractures. Communicating this philosophy is challenging when there is no pain, or before the tooth/teeth have fractured.
Q: What are the best moments that make it worthwhile?
A: Completing treatment, having a patient look at their new work, and having them smile and say, "Thank you".
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Monday 10-6
Tuesday 11-7
Thursday 8-4
Friday 8-1
We occasionally work Wednesdays, too.
Q: What HMO or PPO providers are you in network with? Do you offer financing?
A: We work with most dental insurance, though not HMOs. We currently participate with Cigna, Aetna, and MetLife PPOs.
