As in medicine, a pediatrician differs from a general/family practitioner; a pediatric dentist also differs from a general/family dentist. A pediatric dentist is a specialist who specializes in the care of children; he/she has two or more additional years of hospital/university training to become a specialist.
This specialty includes but is not limited to the ability to treat both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care. From infants and children through adolescence including those with special health care needs. As a specialist they also study craniofacial growth in order to diagnose and consult problems affecting orofacial esthetics, form or function.(I.E. Braces) Dental care may extend to an out-patient or ambulatory care facility if needed.
Dr. Joseph Zakarija D.D.S.,M.S., is a board certified pediatric dental specialist by the Illinois Board of Dental Examiners and Licensure. He specializes in the oral care of children which extends to the use of laser dentistry, braces, and when necessary hospital care to perform dental rehabilitation in a hospital or out-patient facility. He also takes pride in the ability to work exceptionally well with special needs children.
Reviews
Rating 3.8 out of 5 based on 29 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRenae Johnson
a year ago
Receptionist is extremely rude and unprofessional. Wouldn't take my kids there simply for that reason.
Jennifer Williamson
a year ago
My daughter looks forward to her dentist visits every time. He goes above and beyond to make sure your child is comfortable and has the best experience.
Info IL
2 years ago
I work at a local hospital in billing. Dr Zak and his staff are nothing short of great. Covid has impacted people because I see people being so rude. The negative reviews are all about insurance. People really need to understand coverage and not blame Dr Z and staff. Insurance has changed know your benefits. Highly recommend the TFC!
Sloane Geary
2 years ago
I have wrote a review that was not very nice. I was very pleased they reached out to me and we were able to talk about some issues. They were very kind and willing to here me out and we both agreed on a solution. Thank you for taking your time and reading your reviews. I greatly appreciate that not only do you take good care of my children's teeth but also other issues that may come up.
Shannon
2 years ago
I have six year old twins that I have been bringing to see Dr Zak since their first dental appointment. I have always been happy with him & haven't had any complaints. I recently brought them in for their regular cleaning & check up & was surprised to find that the price had doubled. We are a self pay family since our insurance is not accepted at his office. When my husband asked the receptionist why it was more she did not explain & told him they had a regular exam. I called the next morning to speak with the same receptionist who informed me that now that they are six their exam includes an extra X-ray, & if I wanted it excluded from the exam I should have asked before the appointment. I explained that I was never informed about this procedure prior to the visit so how would I know to even ask. Shouldn't the dentist or office inform a parent when new or added procedures ( that double the cost ) are necessary, especially one that is paying out of pocket? I was told no. She was quite rude & unsympathetic. Not once in this conversation did I ask for any kind of money back or speak disrespectful in any way. I had no problem paying for what was owed. I only wanted to know why, & why I wasn't informed by the Dr. or office about this. I was still spoken to in a condescending & irritated manner. While I have no problems with the level of treatment given at this office, I do not think it is ethical to not be transparent with parents about procedures that their children will be receiving wether it is costly or not. To assume that a parent should just know what procedures a dental appointment will or should include without any prior information given to the parent, or permission from the parent to proceed with said procedures, is in extremely poor taste & could possibly have dangerous outcomes. What if a child is allergic to something that the dentist or office hasn't notified the parent of prior to the service or has a medical issue where they shouldn't receive certain procedures? A Dr. should have an open line of communication & information between a patient/ parent shouldn't they? I am very disappointed by the way the office handled this matter. Trust between a patient, or parent of a patient, should be a top priority for anyone practicing any kind of medically inclined field. If there isn't a policy of transparency & honesty within a practice you cannot gain the trust of your patients. So I will not be bringing my children back to a practice that treated me with disrespect & has lost my trust.
Rebecca Zwettler
2 years ago
Dr. Zak is excellent! My daughter is usually terrified and will not let anyone touch her teeth. I was allowed to come sit with her which is important to me. The building is also very cute. My daughter enjoyed being in a tooth fairy castle and wants to come back. I never thought I would hear that!
Bianca Smith
2 years ago
Waiting room is cool, don't recommend the doctor though. He ripped out all my teeth for a cavity and now I need dentures at 16
Dianna Vogel
2 years ago
My daughter is both blind, and autistic and absolutely loved seeing Dr. Zak(your majesty per my daugher) and visiting his castle! The previous dentist we had wasn't able to get her to cooperate for more than counting teeth, and Dr. Zaks office was able to do the entire cleaning... while she smiled!! I can tell by reading the reviews that most of the disgruntled patients are ones that don't understand how their insurance works and what needs to be done to assure payment. As someone who works with insurance everyday I can 100% understand why they do their billing the way they do and why there may be up front costs. A lot of insurance companies pay very little and deny lot. While still a doctors office they need to be paid properly for their services to be able to remain open and continue providing excellent dental care for kids. Regardless of up front cost, or low insurance coverage, I will be back because I know this dentist will make my child comfortable and take care of her while assuring a good experience that makes my child want to come back. Thanks Dr. Zak TFC!
Adam Henderson
2 years ago
Do not go here they are scammers!!! I've never been anywhere that you have to pay half of the cost just to make an appointment. Then on top of that they use medications that they know insurance will not cover so you have to pay out of pocket. And if you question them about it they are very rude and give you the run around and hang up on you! Horrible place wouldn't recommend it to anyone!
Ashleigh Lawler
3 years ago
We love Dr. Zak, he and his staff are fantastic with kids. The office staff have always been friendly and helpful. I have 3 children, 1 with autism, Dr Zak and his staff have always been patient and wonderful with her. They give her breaks when she needs them and speak so kindly with great patience. That alone means the world to me. Our insurance recently changed and I will gladly pay out of pocket than go to a different in network dentist. Which says a lot. The care and customer service is outstanding, I highly recommend Dr. Zak.
Adam Henderson
3 years ago
Do not go here they are scammers!!! I've never been anywhere that you have to pay half of the cost just to make an appointment. Then on top of that they use medications that they know insurance will not cover so you have to pay out of pocket. And if you question them about it they are very rude and give you the run around and hang up on you! Horrible place wouldn't recommend it to anyone!
Chris Fulton
3 years ago
My son loves to go to the dentist now..
Issa Miracle
3 years ago
I've had the best experience here & I plan to bring my children here as well!
Matt Colborn
3 years ago
Only had one small interaction with the staff here, went elsewhere and im glad I did.
Ashleigh Lawler
3 years ago
We love Dr. Zak, he and his staff are fantastic with kids. The office staff have always been friendly and helpful. I have 3 children, 1 with autism, Dr Zak and his staff have always been patient and wonderful with her. They give her breaks when she needs them and speak so kindly with great patience. That alone means the world to me. Our insurance recently changed and I will gladly pay out of pocket than go to a different in network dentist. Which says a lot. The care and customer service is outstanding, I highly recommend Dr. Zak.
Matt Colborn
4 years ago
Only had one small interaction with the staff here, went elsewhere and im glad I did.
Issa Miracle
4 years ago
I've had the best experience here & I plan to bring my children here as well!
Chris Fulton
4 years ago
My son loves to go to the dentist now..
Marti McKinney
5 years ago
Love this place . Amazing staff
Jacqueline Lenick
5 years ago
Dr. Zak and his staff make going to the dentist fun for the kids. My kids love him!! I have a special needs daughter and they have all been very helpful and patient with her...and she doesn't make it easy! I highly recommend Dr. Zak!!
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