Dr. Bennardo received his degree in Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois in 1990. He then went on to complete the Advanced General Dentistry residency program at Northwestern University Dental School where he expanded his skills working with dental specialists in every discipline of dentistry.
After being diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in 2014, Dr. Bennardo's desire to help his patients with their overall health was elevated to an even higher level. This prompted him to devote hundreds of hours in advanced training in Dental Sleep Medicine and Nutrition.
He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and serves as a board member for the International Academy of Sleep. Dr. Bennardo is also a Board Certified Diplomate in the American Sleep and Breathing Academy and is the treating doctor for Chicagoland NFL players with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Dr. Bennardo attends Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, where he serves as a Men's Small Group leader and volunteers on the Worship Team playing acoustic guitar with some well known Christian artists. His hobbies include Snow Skiing, Surfing, Scuba Diving, Exercising and Tennis.
I met Dr. Bennardo in 2002 while we were both involved with Elgin Junior Service Board which was a health based organization that provided dental care for students in School District U-46. After I saw the compassion and professionalism his office provided each student that I brought into his office, I knew he would become my lifelong dentist. Now, I enjoy working with a team that believes in giving each patient the best care possible. I'm a very busy mom of two teenage daughters. We enjoy boating and spending time watching them ride their horses.
I received my dental hygiene degree from Harper College in 2017. I pursued a career in dental hygiene because I had always loved going to the dentist growing up. I hope to give all of my patients the same positive experience. I enjoy teaching my patients about the importance of oral health. In my free time I love playing tennis, walking my dogs, and spending time with my family and friends.
SMART is the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, which is a set of safety measures to reduce mercury exposures during dental amalgam filling removal. These safety measures were developed as a result of scientific research collected by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
All dental amalgams, also referred to as silver fillings, contain 50% mercury (a neurotoxin) which is constantly released in the form of an invisible vapor. The process of drilling out amalgam fillings releases even higher quantities of mercury vapor and fine particulates that can be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. This potentially harmful to patients, dentists, other dental workers, and the fetuses of patients and all dental personnel.
Dentists who have obtained SMART certification from the IAOMT have completed coursework related to mercury and the safe removal of amalgam fillings. The educational programming includes learning about the application of the rigorous safety measures, including the utilization of specific equipment. To maintain SMART certification, Dr. Bennardo enrolls in the program annually to review all safety measures.