We are proud to introduce our highly skilled and caring team at Palos Pediatric Dentistry. We value team members who have exceptional dental techniques as well as excellent communication and patient care capabilities. Each member of our team is hand selected from numerous candidates in order to provide your child with comprehensive dental care in a caring and compassionate manner.

While developing our practices philosophy, I tried to keep in mind the kind of care I would expect for my own children. This is the guiding principle at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC. I hope that you will find it helpful.

I would want an office that openly welcomes parents in the treatment rooms. My children are very young, and I wouldn't feel comfortable sending them back on their own. Once I see that they feel comfortable at the office and that the staff is very welcoming to children, I may choose to wait in the waiting room. But I would want to make that choice as a parent and not be directed by office policy.

I would want my child treated as an individual. There are risks to any dental or medical procedure, and if it is necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks, then treatment is indicated and appropriate. My child's dental treatment should be based on his risk of getting cavities in the future. For example, children at high risk for cavities may benefit from x-rays every six months while children at low risk for cavities may benefit from x-rays only every 12 or 18 months. A customized treatment approach specifically developed for my child would minimize any risk of treatment.

I would expect different options for treatment and for the options to be explained, along with the risks and benefits for each option. I would also like the opportunity to ask questions about my child's treatment so that I feel comfortable with the treatment approach. It would be best if I could discuss my child's dental needs directly with the dentist, especially if this is my first experience as a parent with a child having cavities.

If dental treatment is necessary, I would like to know the cost, or at least a close estimate, up-front so that there are no surprise bills after treatment is completed. Also, if the cost of treatment turns out to be higher than I was prepared for, I would hope that the office would have different financial options so that I could take the best care of my child.

Finally, I'd like to be treated fairly and respectfully. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC, we do our very best to treat you and your child as we would want our own families to be treated. If we fall short of any of these expectations, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are eager to learn and improve in any area in which we may do better.

I was born in Blue Island and raised in Palos Heights. I have been a Palos Heights resident since 1986. This is where I lived, worked, learned, and played my entire life, and I'm looking forward to serving families in my community again!

I attended Marist High School, where I played hockey and was involved with the band. Following high school, I attended Indiana University in Bloomington. It was early in college that I discovered my interest in dentistry. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from IU, I then earned Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following my general dental training, I obtained specialized training in the area of pediatric dentistry through a two-year residency program. While at UIC, I also earned a Master's in Oral Science. The focus of my research during residency was the effect of television exposure and advertising on the oral health of children.

I am currently a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I am also an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists. I enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest advances in pediatric dentistry through continuing education. I am always looking for something new and exciting to bring back to the office!

When I'm not spending time with kids at the office, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Cassie, and our four children. I have the privilege of representing my community as a Board Member for Palos Heights District 128, the district where I grew up. I am currently serving as President at GiGi's Playhouse in Tinley Park, a not-for-profit Down syndrome achievement center. I also am fortunate to be able to coach three of my kids' hockey teams. If the kids get to bed on time, I love to catch a Blackhawks game on TV!

Melissa joined our team in June 2020. She studied dental hygiene at Prairie State College and graduated in 2005. Melissa previously worked in a general dental office in Elmhurst sine she graduated. Melissa has always loved working with children and can't wait to meet yours. She loves to talk and is a great educator. With all her years of experience she can't wait to share her knowledge with you. After seeing Melissa, your child will know everything they need to do to keep a healthy beautiful smile. Melissa has three amazing children at home who keep her busy. They love doing things as a family like bike rides, walks, and exploring trails. In her spare time Melissa loves to run and practice yoga.

Tina lives in Crestwood with her husband and three wonderful children: Jeremy, Abby and Olivia. They have three super cool cats: Speedy, Lavender and Snuggles. When she is not here at the office answering your insurance questions, she is at home hanging out with her kids in the backyard pool, baking or watching movies. She is very active in all of her kids' sports as team mom most seasons!

Elena joined our team in 2020. She was born and raised in the south suburbs, and has always had a passion for the healthcare industry. While this is her first experience in dentistry, she has worked in other healthcare fields for many years. She finds joy in building relationships with families and believes that a smile can go a long way. In her spare time, she enjoys attending baseball games, watching movies, and spending time with her fur baby, Lola.

Cassie Facko grew up in Orland Park and is happy to call the Southwest Suburbs home. She attended Carl Sandburg High School, followed by the University of Illinois in Champaign. Cassie majored in Spanish and even spent a semester abroad in Barcelona. Following Cassie's undergraduate studies, she earned her Masters Degree in School Counseling at Governors State University. Cassie has always loved working with children, and her diverse background gives her a unique set of skills with kids at our office.

Precious joined our team in November 2013 as a dental assistant. Precious has called the Chicago area home for her entire life. She has been working as a pediatric dental assistant for several years now and enjoys working with children. She is great at making them feel at-home at the dental office. If you get to see Precious at the office, she will probably be talking with your child about how he can better care for his teeth at home. She's a great motivator! Precious is mother to a beautiful daughter. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter, family and friends. She loves watching movies and running around with her dog Blaine.

Emily joined our practice in 2014 and is one of our dental assistants. She is a lifetime resident of the southwest suburbs and graduated from Alan B Shepard High School right here in Palos Heights. Emily has a strong love for animals. You can find her and her fiance taking their 2 big bears (ok really really big dogs) on adventures in the area like Swallow Cliff.While she is a wonderful fur mamma, she is also amazing with kids.Her greatest ability is making our anxious children feel safe and is sure to get a smile out of even our most challenging patients.Be sure to come say 'hello' and listen to her silly stories about her dogs!