I feel fortunate to be part of a profession that I am passionate about. I grew up in a family of physicians and dentists and early on developed an interest in healthcare. Dentistry and specifically orthodontics attracted me as I saw how people with healthy smiles seemed to have more confidence.
After comprehensive training and working in private practice since 1984 I have developed extensive experience to care for patients with complex dental issues. This perspective has been invaluable when treating patients with the most common orthodontic problems. Having practiced for more than three decades I know the joy of treating not only whole families but children of former patients as well.
In addition to private practice, I have dedicated myself to assist patients with craniofacial anomalies to receive care that they otherwise would not have received.
I have been a member of the Medical Advisory Board for The Smile Train since 2004 and have traveled to many countries teaching local orthodontists and surgeons treatment approaches for patients with clefts and other craniofacial conditions. I have also coordinated and participated in many surgical missions to treat underserved children with clefts in Guatemala.
Education
After completing dental school, I obtained my Orthodontics Specialty Certificate at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Eastman Institute for Oral Health. I received my Pediatric Dentistry Specialty Certificate at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where I also earned a Masters of Science degree in Oral Health.
I completed two fellowships: one at the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies at the UIC, and one in Craniofacial Development at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
I am an active member of the following professional organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
- International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ISCFS)
- Midwest Society of Orthodontists (MSO)
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists (ISO)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Illinois Dental Society (ISDS)
- Chicago Dental Society (CDS)
I attend meetings to stay current with the latest advances in our profession and to ensure my patients are getting the best care possible. Frequently I am asked to lecture nationally and internationally and have published over 100 research articles and book chapters in the cleft/craniofacial field.
Outside the Office
I have been married to Michele for over 40 years and have two wonderful sons: Alex, an orthodontist and partner in our practice, and Aaron, an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Our favorite pastime is being with our family and many good friends. Michele and I also enjoy riding our tandem bike, playing golf, tennis, boating and water skiing.
