Dr. Lee graduated from theOhio State University with two degrees: a BS in Human Nutrition and a BS in Chemistry. She went on to earn her DDS degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Passionate about creating whole-mouth health for her patients, Dr. Lee continues her education with coursework in implantology and aesthetic smile design. Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
While volunteering in Mongolia, Dr. Lee performed more than 100 extractions a day for four weeks, a life-changing experience that reminded her of her promise to dedicate her life to serving people in need through compassionate dentistry. Dr. Lee returned to Mongolia two years later and has since volunteered her services in Nicaragua and for the local community at the Lawndale Dental Clinic.
Her favorite part of patient care is hearing patients say, Ive had fear of the dentist for years and dealt with dental problems for years. Im so glad that I found you! Im finally pain free, and I can smile with confidence.
Dr. Alexander Katsnelson graduated with a DMD and MS in Neurophysiology from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has published work in several national journals and holds membership in the Illinois Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Besides spending time with his wife Julia, a student at Rush University Medical School, Dr. Katsnelson enjoys computer technology, reading, digital photography, and foreign languages. He is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian.
Dr. Kyung Choi received his DDS degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry in 1996. After graduating he completed his General Practice Residency at Evanston Hospital in 1997. To advance his education in dentistry, Dr. Choi completed 3 years of fulltime residency training in Advanced Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University, College of Dentistry, and 2 years of fulltime residency in Endodontics at the University of Southern California. Dr. Choi has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and co-authored a chapter in the 7th Edition of Ingles Endodontic Text Book. Dr. Choi has continued his passion by becoming an innovator in dentistry. He has invented Taeguk Scalloped Implant and EZI mini-implant systems.
Dr. Waeil Elmisalati is a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon at Lakeview smiles of Chicago. He graduated from Harvard University, School of Dental Medicine receiving his degree in Periodontology, Dental Implants, Fellowship in periodontology, and Masters degree in Medical Sciences from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Waeil also taught as a professor of periodontics and dental implant at several academic institutions in the United States.
He has published and reviewed research articles in reputable national and international dental journals. In 2016, Dr. Waeil became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Waeil Elmisalati is well versed in minimally invasive dental surgery including impacted wisdom teeth extractions, gingival grafts, and implant placements. He is also an expert consultant for Joint Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Dr. Waeil Elmisalati finds being active in the community is crucial as a healthcare professional. In the past few years, he volunteered his time to provide free dental care as part of the Mission of Mercy. He also involved in organized dentistry, being an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology (A.A.P.), the International Team for Implantology (I.T.I.), the Academy of Osteointegration (A.O.), the American Dental Association (A.D.A.) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In addition, he is an ambassador for the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.
He moved to Chicago after living in Boston for several years for his education. In his spare time, Dr. Waeil Elmisalati enjoys exploring new restaurants, cooking, skiing, running, cycling, traveling, and spending time with his friends.
Dr. Melinda Rosen has an MS in Biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology and completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to dental school, she was an assistant and then clinical manager here at Lakeview Smiles. She loves restoring smiles, teaching patients about good home dental hygiene, and helping people overcome dental anxieties.
When shes not seeing patients, Dr. Rosen is an avid reader; she met her goal of 52 books last year and is doubling that goal to 104 this year! She also enjoys traveling and loves taking photographs from unique angles.
Dr. Hardenbergh attended the University of Michigan for his BS in Biology and completed his DMD at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is excited to bring an honest and caring attitude to every patient he sees. As one of SIX dentists in his family, Dr. Hardenbergh is uniquely familiar with the profession and always tries to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new technology and trends.
Dr. Hardenbergh moved to Lakeview in the summer of 2019 and felt an instant connection with the area. Originally from Michigan, he automatically bonds with anyone else from the Mitten State and begins talking about Michigander thingsusually the Detroit Red Wings.
Dr. Shohreh Raoof is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine. She received the Isaac Schour Scholarship for her research at the Center for Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration.
Dr. Raoof first fell in love with Chicago in 2008, after moving here to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology for her MS in Cell and Molecular Biology, and is now happy to call it home. Her friendly and compassionate personality makes every patient feel comfortable and understood. Her philosophy is to build relationships with every patient while providing gentle and conservative care. She strives to stay current with the latest technology and techniques to ensure the highest level of care.
When she is not in the office, Dr. Raoof loves traveling, working out, exploring the Chicago dining scene, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is looking forward to being your new neighborhood family dentist.
Dr. Besse attended the Ohio State University for his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, followed by a general practice residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he continues to be an attending.
With a belief in the importance of evidence-based dentistry, Dr. Besse encourages his patients to be informed and empowered so they can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. He takes the time to listen to his patients and understand their individual needs and concernsa vital aspect of achieving a healthy long-term dental relationship. Dr. Besse takes pride in his profession and is grateful to have the opportunity to make such profound changes in peoples lives.
Dr. Besse is involved in organized dentistry as a member of the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. He stays current on dental advances and technologies in order to provide his patients with the most up-to-date and effective dental treatments and therapies.
With a background in public health, Dr. Besse knows rsthand the importance of oral healthcare for underserved communities. One day per week, he sees Howard Brown Health Center patients through a partnership with Illinois Masonic Medical Centers dental department. He enjoys providing comprehensive dental care to patients that otherwise might not be able to access care.
Dr. Besse has a dog named Sammya three-year-old corgi-beagle rescue who loves long walks and going to the dog beach. When he is not working, Dr. Besse is usually running along the lakefront, exploring new restaurants and patios around the city, or traveling to visit friends.
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
My ultimate goal is to make sure you have the best experience possible at Lakeview Smiles. Patient advocacy has been my passion and a challenge that has always lined up with my overall enjoyment of people. Building personal relationships, working through treatment concerns and creating financial plans has inspired my desire to grow in all of those skills and share them with our amazing team.
It has been said that to feel truly accomplished, you must love what you do. The Lakeview Smiles family has provided this for me and joining the team here has been the best decision Ive made professionally. When I stepped through the doors for the first time I immediately felt a connection with Dr. Lee, her staff and my new team. I was drawn to the teams compassion for every patient and their dedication to ensuring the highest quality of care. The Lakeview Smiles Team always goes the extra mile! I was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Sanford Brown in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have over 13 years of experience in the dental field and from the first day I started working as an assistant and fell in love with the dental world. I have since gone back to school and received my license as a Hygienist in IL. .
I enjoy seeing our patients leave the dental chair happy with the results and the care we have provided. Working as a team with the doctors and Lakeview Smiles staff is rewarding, as we all believe in the same goal: providing excellent dentistry in a welcoming atmosphere.
Jenny offers a variety of patient care, working chairside with the dentist and making sure patients are comfortable during their procedures. She is also responsible for ensuring the building and their services meet the needs of the people that work in them. Outside of the office, Jenny enjoys time with her three children and their three dogs. She loves going to church, likes reading the Bible and books, and loves sports, too.
I love that the dental world has allowed me to meet so many incredible people that I have developed meaningful relationships with beyond the dental chair. Making a patient feel comfortable, confident, understood, and significant is something all of us at Lakeview Smiles strive to do!
Rachel works directly with our Invisalign patients, assisting them from start to finish with their Invisalign treatment. It is her top priority to make patients feel comfortable and confident as well as educate them on how and why Invisalign provides a beautiful and healthy smile, inside and out! Outside of the office, Rachel loves music, a good glass of wine, spending time with her family and fur babies, and exploring all that Chicago has offer!
As a Dental Hygienist at Lakeview Smiles I love helping patients feel comfortable during their visits to our office, while helping them achieving proper oral healthcare. Working with patients to gain their trust while building a long lasting relationship is my ultimate goal.
I graduated from Lewis University and have always known I wanted to work in the dental field. I have lived in the Chicago land area my whole life and have 2 dogs that I consider my children. When I am not at work I like to travel and go on outdoor adventures.
I am ecstatic to be a part of Dr.Lees team where we implement excellent patient care and where we utilize the latest dental technologies, in an effort to achieve the maximum of efficiency for easy going, fun and memorable visits for our patients. As a dental assistant, I make sure our patients are answered all questions about their visits and are comfortable and at ease throughout the whole procedure.
In my free time I love to travel the world, meet new people and listen to different perspectives in various topics. I believe when one travels, one enriches their soul. I am also an avid lover of animals.