Iam a graduatefrom the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Class of 2005. I was fortunate to have been one of the few accepted into dental school directly after graduating high school throughthe Guaranteed Professional Program at UIC. I went throughan accelerated twoyear undergraduate program to then enter dental school for the next fouryears. Albeitchallenging, it was the best decision I ever made! This profession has allowed me the opportunity to be a professional; as well as enough time to be a wife and mother to twobeautiful children.
I wasborn and raised in the north Chicago suburb of Morton Grove and decided that I wanted to raise my own children in the area. The town of Skokie was the perfect fit for my practice location, especially since I am an alum of Niles West High School!
When I am not working in people's mouths, I enjoy cooking, exercising, and traveling to places on my bucket list. A few of my favorite travel memories would be riding on elephants in Bali, surfing in Costa Rica, and cliff diving in Maui.
After a few years of practicing away from home, I am thrilled to return back to Skokie where I grew up and join Dr. Kochikaran and her team. I completed my undergraduate studies in Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I further pursued a masters in Biotechnology at Rush University before moving to Boston to obtain my dental doctorate degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2017. Since then, I have practiced in Illinois and California and recently became a new mom to the best baby girl!
I am so passionate about dentistry and I believe that a happy smile starts with a healthy smile. I enjoy getting to know each of my patients and their needs to create a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan to help them feel confident. I understand that going to a dentist can be a high anxiety event and prioritize that my patients feel at ease under my care.
To be the best dental healthcare provider, I strive to be a lifelong learner. I am always taking continuing education courses on various topics and particularly enjoy building on my cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery skills. I am an active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society and Illinois State Dental Society which help me stay up to date with important advances and information in the field.
When I am not at the office, you can find me exploring the newest neighborhood restaurant or the most recently added Peloton workout. My husband and I love the outdoors; we are always on the go whether it's enjoying walks along the lake with our pup and baby girl or exploring outside of the city to find the best hiking spots. I feel so fortunate to return home again. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the community that raised me and serving the dental needs of the people in it.
I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelors Degree in Finance.My friendship with Dr. Kochikaran started in kindergarten. In fact, she is the reason I am in the Dental field. I began my career in dentistry as a chairside assistant for Dr. Kochikaran and quickly transitioned into Office Manager with my finance background.
Ive been a Practice Manager for over 15years now. My extensive knowledge of dental insurance allows me to help our patients maximize their benefits. I also have training in OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR/BLS. I believe everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud of.
My experience in the dental field started in 2010 with Dr. Kochikaran at her first practice. Since then I have gained knowledge and skill to work both the clinical and administrative sides of the dental office. I have training in both OSHA and HIPAA.I strive to provide our patients with exceptional customer service in order to help them feel at ease. Most patients like to refer to me as the voice on my daily phone calls due to my calming tone.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 60 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest loweststeph
a year ago
I love the Affinity Smiles team! I highly recommend Dr. Joann K as she is very thorough, smart, and a dentist I can trust. I feel very comfortable with her and her team and they get the job done! I cannot thank them enough for taking care of me. I want to hug them everytime they finish doing work on my teeth!!
Lisa Lambro
2 years ago
I just called to make an appointment and was informed that they were "at capacity" for HMO patients. We were their patients! Suddenly we are expelled as one of the "not chosen" HMO patients to be seen??? I am livid and this is a horrible way to conduct business. At least provide the courtesy to inform the patients in a letter as soon as you knew you were no longer seeing them. I'm over here thinking we can make appointments, and when I call to do so I am informed that they are at capacity!! What is this?
Kathy
2 years ago
I've been a patient here for about two years. (I used to see a different dentist, but I think she left because I saw Dr. Raina today, who I think is newer to the practice.) I have a lot of dental anxiety (and mediocre insurance), so I am always very nervous, but she was so understanding and kind. Also, the hygienist is nice and very thorough. The front office staff are nice too. Because I have dental anxiety, I can be a little difficult to deal with, but they're always very understanding.
Jenna Chodos
2 years ago
I came to Affinity Smiles after moving to the area from Boston. I had a great experience at the office and with Dr. Raina. It was one of the smoothest dentist experiences I've had, especially as a new patient. I recommend her and Affinity Smiles to all!
Gerardo Cabrera
2 years ago
My entire family LOVES it here! Great team
Jen A
2 years ago
I am so grateful to have found Dr. K! I have been afraid of the dentist for years following some horrible experiences in my teens/early twenties. Dr. K is so compassionate and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate her patience with me and her quality of work is amazing! She narrates what she's doing, tells me what to expect in terms of noise/sensation and is upfront with pricing. I refer anyone I can to her because I know that her standard of care is unmatched. Thank you, Dr. K!
Patricia Rogel
2 years ago
When I have an appointment with Dr. K I feel like I am at the spa! LOL. Really, I do, it is a relaxing experience. She explains every step of the process and is so calm and clear. I'm in my fifties, so I've had a lot of dental work - implant, crowns, fillings, bonding, cracked teeth - so I know a good dentist. Affinity Smiles is the best of the best. My new crown looks and feels great! If you're looking for a G R E A T dental experience, I highly recommend you consider this office. Both of my kids go to her and felt very comfortable in the office, as well.
Bigbare 89
2 years ago
I am a new patient at Affinity Smiles and I must say I am extremely happy. From the front desk to the assistants, this practice is top notch. Dr. K is very attentive and caring. She is very calming which makes my dentist visits even better. She is thorough and listens to my concerns. So glad that I have found a new dentist that rocks!
Chris Walsh
2 years ago
I hated the Dentist until I met Dr Joann. Seriously. I had a dentist growing up that I liked, but in my adult life I was back and forth only going in for major issues. Finding Affinity Smiles has been a real treat. I still have anxiety about my visits, but it is WAY more manageable. The office staff is friendly! Hygienists are thorough and professional and Dr Joann's recommendations have always be the correct choice. Just had a temporary crown installed in replace of an old metal filling!
Sara Piepmeier
2 years ago
Wonderful practice! Dr. Kochikoran and her delightful and highly skilled staff make each visit a joy. She fixed and capped a broken tooth for me quickly and painlessly, and later on, two implants, with great skill and care. I am very squeamish about Covid exposure, but her practice takes great precautions. I couldn't recommend this dentist more highly!!
Daniel Meyer
2 years ago
Dr. Kochikaran is everything a patient would want in their dentist--skilled, thoughtful, trustworthy, responsive, and relatable. In the field of dentistry, that balance of practical expertise and human connection is so rare. I've had a lot of dental work done in my life and cannot say that I've ever "enjoyed" my time spent in the chair. Yet when it comes to Affinity Smiles, I find myself even looking forward to a visit. That's not just rare...it's truly exceptional.
Nada Cuvalo
2 years ago
The entire staff is simply wonderful.
Daniel Meyer
3 years ago
Dr. Kochikaran is everything a patient would want in their dentist--skilled, thoughtful, trustworthy, responsive, and relatable. In the field of dentistry, that balance of practical expertise and human connection is so rare. I've had a lot of dental work done in my life and cannot say that I've ever "enjoyed" my time spent in the chair. Yet when it comes to Affinity Smiles, I find myself even looking forward to a visit. That's not just rare...it's truly exceptional.
Sara Piepmeier
3 years ago
Wonderful practice! Dr. Kochikoran and her delightful and highly skilled staff make each visit a joy. She fixed and capped a broken tooth for me quickly and painlessly, and later on, two implants, with great skill and care. I am very squeamish about Covid exposure, but her practice takes great precautions. I couldn't recommend this dentist more highly!!
Maria Alexeeva
3 years ago
I had a lot of different experience with dentists. But Dr. Kachikarian is a high professional doctor! I feel very confident with quality of work she provides. Doctor and staff is very attentitive to my needs. I will definitely recommend Dr. K to my friends and relatives
Nat Yogachandra
3 years ago
I have been to dentists in several cities here in this country and several others in many parts of the world. I am generally terrified to go to a dental clinic. When I moved to Evanston, I found Affinity Smiles. There, I met Dr. Joann K. for the first time. I was very impressed with her on my very first visit. She spent some time with me and developed an overall and comprehensive dental plan for my individual needs and I have been going there since I moved here. Dr. Joann K. is always very friendly, kind and helpful with all treatments I have had done there. This is so important to me for my dentist to be patient and concerned about my health to make those tough visits, a bit more pleasurable. Dr. Joann K. explains every step of the treatment and follows up with me after the visit to find out how I am doing. During the past three years, each visit provided me with a great, friendly and smooth experience. There is no other dentist I would go to and I highly recommend Dr. Joann K. for all dental needs. In summary, Dr. Joann K. is excellent and my favorite dentist.
Nada Cuvalo
3 years ago
The entire staff is simply wonderful.
Chris Walsh
3 years ago
I hated the Dentist until I met Dr Joann. Seriously. I had a dentist growing up that I liked, but in my adult life I was back and forth only going in for major issues. Finding Affinity Smiles has been a real treat. I still have anxiety about my visits, but it is WAY more manageable. The office staff is friendly! Hygienists are thorough and professional and Dr Joann's recommendations have always be the correct choice. Just had a temporary crown installed in replace of an old metal filling!
Maria Alexeeva
3 years ago
I had a lot of different experience with dentists. But Dr. Kachikarian is a high professional doctor! I feel very confident with quality of work she provides. Doctor and staff is very attentitive to my needs. I will definitely recommend Dr. K to my friends and relatives
James Griese
3 years ago
We are new patients, and we have been welcomed into the Affinity Smiles family. Customer service is definitely a priority and they have nailed it. Dr. Kochikaran is professional, kind, and gentle.
Load more