Dr. Russell J. Cecala was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Holy Cross High School. He attended Loyola University at Chicago where he earned his bachelors degree. Dr. Cecala then earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. Dr. Cecalas postgraduate education began with a one year General Dentistry Residency in the U.S. Army at Reynolds Army Hospital Fort Sill, OK. He served 11 years total in the U.S. Army including active duty during Operation Desert Storm. He was stationed in Vicenza, Italy for three years where he attended to the dental needs of U.S. airmen, soldiers, and their families. Dr. Cecala earned his masters degree in Oral Biology and his specialty certificate in Periodontology at the University of Iowa. His thesis research was in the area of complex bone grafting and regeneration therapy. Dr. Cecala is published in the professional journals and continues to lecture and is a member of both the American Academy of Periodontics and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Cecala has lectured nationally for the W.L. Gore Company on the subject of complex bone grafting. He has been with our practice since 1997. Dr. Cecala was president of the Illinois Society of Periodontists 2003-4 and is serving as president of the Chicago Dental Society Northwest Side Branch.
We are excited to introduce Samantha to our practice as our Office Manager. Samantha has worked in the dental field since 2007. Her favorite part of working in the dental field, is that we are given the chance to make a difference in patients lives every day by assisting with their health and their smile! Samantha lives in Lake Villa with her husband and has 5 children. On her free time, she enjoys boating on Lake Geneva with her family, playing with her Bernedoodle Rizzo, and reading.
Sofia is the newest addition to our front office team! She has been in the dental field for over 10 years. Sofia enjoys being friendly and personable with all our patients. She resides in Chicago with her husband and 3 boys.
Sendy is one of our surgical assistants and has been in the dental field since 2012. She began her career assisting in general dentistry. Sendy attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and received her certificate in Coronal Polishing and Pit Fissure Sealant in 2014. Send is also a certified anesthesia assistant and works closely with the doctor in surgery. In her free time she enjoys exercising, remodeling her home, outdoor activities and travel abroad to experience new cultures.
Alma is a surgical assistant and has been with our office since 2019. She started in the dental field in 2012. Alma attended the Illinois School of Health Careers and obtained her Dental Assistant Diploma. Alma has experience in oral surgery and is also a certified dental anesthesia assistant. Alma enjoys talking to her patients about their dental care and oral hygiene. Alma does her absolute best in helping her patients improve their dental education and experience. When Alma is not at the office, she enjoys her time with her family and friends. She is an avid traveler especially to visit her family in Mexico.
Nicole grew up in Franklin Park, IL and now resides in Schaumburg. Nicole has been in the dental field for the past 6 years. She started as a dental assistant in general dentistry and also worked as a receptionist for a while. Nicole graduated from Rock Valley College Dental Hygiene Program and is a member of the Windy City Seminar Hygiene Study Club. She loves being able to connect with her patients and get to know them. Nicole is a mom to a 1-year-old dachshund named Sophia. Nicole enjoys traveling, exploring new places, cooking, working out at the gym, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Ingrid joined our practice in September 2020. Ingrid graduated from Fox College Dental Hygiene Program. She has been in the dental field for the last 5 years. She started as a dental assistant in general dentistry before pursuing dental hygiene. Ingrid is compassionate and is able to put patients at ease and assures a positive dental experience. Ingrid loves to travel, work out at the gym, watch baseball and spend time with her family and friends. Ingrid is also fluent in Spanish and English.