Our mission is to provide the highest level of comprehensive dental care in a warm, friendly and comfortable environment in a state-of-the-art facility. We are committed to creating and maintaining healthy and beautiful smiles for a lifetime.

The inception of Seasons Dental Care began in 2003 when Dr. Pontikes made the decision to create a dental practice that is not customarily found in a clinical setting. In response to catering to apprehensive patients and in the spirit of creating a warm, state-of-the-art practice with the feel of a spa, Seasons Dental Care was born.

John K. Pontikes, D.M.D., F.A.G.D. is the founder of Seasons Dental Care. As Chairman & CEO, he is responsible for setting the overall direction for the company and overseeing all day-to-day business & clinical operations. In addition, he is the lead dental physician on staff. He is head of business strategy, marketing and incorporation & implementation of state-of-the-art technology & techniques.

Dr. Pontikes has nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has been practicing comprehensive dentistry since 2000. Dr. Pontikes has held numerous managerial and leadership roles including being chief resident at Northwestern University from 2002 2003 and was group leader while at Harvard Business School where he led a group of 10 entrepreneurs in case reviews and discussion. He formed his operating company in 2003 and has been doing business as Seasons Dental Care since 2008. Dr. Pontikes completed his undergraduate education in Biochemistry and Engineering at the University of Illinois Honors College, received his Doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency in hospital dentistry at Northwestern University Medical School & Evanston Hospital, teaching affiliate of The University of Chicago. In 2011, Dr. Pontikes took a leave of absence from his work responsibilities in order to go back to school and complete a Mini-MBA program at Harvard Business School.

Georgia Hoidas is Vice President of Operations & General Manager at Seasons Dental Care, where she oversees the companys business operations including marketing, human resources & recruiting and communications. She is responsible for Seasons Dental Cares people strategy including growing, developing and retaining the Seasons Dental Care team. In addition, Georgia works jointly with Dr. Pontikes in the long-term strategic development of the company.

Georgia has nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry where she has held multiple managerial and leadership roles in finance, operations, sales and marketing. Georgia holds a Bachelors degree in Finance and International Business from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Rauf A. Yousuf, D.M.D., M.S.D. is Vice President of Product & Surgery at Seasons Dental Care, where he is responsible for assisting Dr. Pontikes in the implementation of the most up-to-date surgical technologies & techniques.

Dr. Pontikes and Dr. Yousufs interdisciplinary alliance began over a decade ago when their vision for the highest standard of quality care and innovation intersected. Dr. Yousuf joined Seasons Dental Care in 2008 as a consultant where he was instrumental in assisting in the development and implementation of Seasons Dental Cares implant surgical protocols. He continues to remain instrumental as the industry continuously evolves.

Dr. Yousuf has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has been practicing Periodontics and Implant Dentistry since 1999. Dr. Yousuf completed his undergraduate education in Biology at the University of Cincinnati, received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and completed his surgical residency at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Seasons Dental Care is committed to addressing sustainability and investing in equipment and technology that minimizes our carbon footprint. The Seasons concept is not just about providing the finest dental care in a warm, state-of-the-art environment but also providing a service in a way that is consistent with having a positive impact on the environment. Some of our green initiatives include: digital administration protocols, digital X-rays, energy-efficient dental equipment, energy-efficient computer systems, energy-efficient light bulbs, energy efficient HVAC system and energy-efficient building & grounds.

Recently, Dr. Pontikes spearheaded the creation of the Seasons Study Club (SSC). The study club meets on a regular basis and fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to complex dental treatment planning. Along with Dr. Pontikes, all specialist members share the same commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.

In a by invitation only competition, Dr. Pontikes was one of sixty-eight doctors (out of several hundred) that was chosen to have the best Invisalign treatment outcome in 2017 in North America (United States and Canada). As a result of this honor, Dr. Pontikes case has been published in the Invisalign Gallery Book featuring the worlds best treatment outcomes of which his peers from all over the world have access and has also been published on the Global Invisalign Gallery website of which his peers from all over the world also have access.

Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Pontikes completed his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry and Engineering at the University of Illinois Honors College. He received his Doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine where he was the youngest to graduate from his class. Dr. Pontikes dental school class achieved the distinction of being ranked fourth in the entire nation on their National Board Exams. Following dental school, he completed post-graduate studies in dentistry and medicine at Northwestern University Medical School and received advanced training in general and hospital dentistry during his residency at Evanston Hospital, teaching affiliate of The University of Chicago. In 2011, Dr. Pontikes took a leave of absence from his clinical responsibilities in order to go back to school and complete a Mini-MBA program at Harvard Business School.

Dr. Pontikes became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 2013; 1 of only 7 dentists in the state of Illinois. To accomplish this goal, he completed 500 hours of advanced continuing dental education and passed a comprehensive board examination. He is also an active volunteer of the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic which provides dental services to low income and uninsured residents. He has practiced dentistry for nearly 20 years, belongs to a number of study clubs and holds memberships in several dental organizations including the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry.

In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Dr. Pontikes was nominated by his peers as a Top Doctor in an independent survey commissioned by Chicago Magazine. The independent survey (DataJoe Research and topDentists, LLC) contacted more than 2,000 individual dentists and 1,000 practices in the greater Chicago area to ask: Who in your field exemplifies true excellence in the dental profession, and who in your field would you trust to take care of your friends and families dental needs. Dr. Pontikes was featured in Chicago Magazines 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Top Doctors Issues.

Dr. Pontikes remains current in the art & science of dental medicine by regularly attending advanced training sessions by world-renowned experts in all disciplines in dentistry. He has completed advanced dental continuums at the esteemed Spear and Pankey Institutes for Advanced Dental Education further underscoring his commitment of being a master dentist. In addition, Dr. Pontikes has completed extensive Invisalign training and is considered by his peers to be a Top Invisalign Dentist in the country. In a by invitation only competition, Dr. Pontikes was one of sixty-eight doctors (out of several hundred) that was chosen to have the best Invisalign treatment outcome in 2017 in North America (United States and Canada). In addition, in the same competition in 2019, three of his cases were chosen to be within the Top 100 cases in North America. The competition judges the participant on quality of records, treatment execution, case difficulty, and results achieved. As a result of this honor, Dr. Pontikes case has been published in the Invisalign Gallery Book featuring the worlds best treatment outcomes of which his peers from all over the world have access and has also been published on the Global Invisalign Gallery website of which his peers from all over the world also have access.

Dr. Pontikes has been a guest lecturer and is on the advisory board committee at the Illinois School of Health Careers where he helps set curriculum standards for its dental assisting program. He has also been a guest lecturer at the College of Dupages dental assisting program. Dr. Pontikes is also an active participant of the Northwestern University Externship Program. As an alumnus of NU, Dr. Pontikes offers Externships to current NU students interested in pursuing careers in the oral health sciences. As an official host site, Seasons Dental Care is excited to support and mentor potential future leaders of our profession. Additionally, Dr. Pontikes is a member of the Alumni Admission Council of Northwestern where he assists the University in enrolling highly qualified undergraduate students.

Supporting students in the dental profession is very rewarding for Dr. Pontikes because it allows him to give back to the community, it further galvanizes himself within the dental profession and it helps build & maintain relationships among his peers. As an oral physician, his mission is to provide the highest level of care to his patients by constantly staying current in his field. He believes we owe it ourselves and society at large to continuously invest in ourselves through quality education and lifelong learning.

Dr. Yousuf is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1995. After completing aone-year hospital residency in general dentistry at Illinois Masonic Hospital, he received his specialty training in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He holds a Masters degree in Oral Biology from the same university.

Dr. Yousuf has been a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry and has had a limited private practice affiliated with the University of Chicago. Dr. Yousuf lectures nationally on cutting-edge implant and soft tissue surgery techniques. He specializes in all aspects of Periodontics including implants, perioplastic surgery (gum recontouring), bone & soft tissue grafting, crown lengthening and reconstructive periodontal surgery. Dr. Yousuf is a member of the American Academy of Periodontics, the Midwest Society of Periodontics, the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society and Illinois State Dental Society.

In 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020, Dr. Yousuf was nominated by his peers as a Top Doctor in an independent survey commissioned by Chicago Magazine. The independent survey (DataJoe Research) contacted more than 2,000 individual dentists and 850 practices in the greater Chicago area to ask: Who in your field exemplifies true excellence in the dental profession, and who in your field would you trust to take care of your friends and families dental needs. Dr. Yousuf was listed in Chicago Magazines 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Top Doctors Issues.

Julie heads our dental hygiene department. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota. During her training, she was given the opportunity to treat patients in various dental settings; dental offices, mobile dental units and nursing homes. Julies real world experience, while at UMN, has been invaluable because she was given the opportunity to work in fast-paced environments with patients of different cultures, ages and oral health backgrounds. In addition, her education has taught her the importance of working with other oral health professionals underscoring her commitment to providing a high level of care in a team-based approach. Julie is looking forward to bringing her vast knowledge, clinical skills and evidence based dentistry training to our patients.

Julies evolution began over a decade ago as our assistant manager and certified dental assistant. In these roles, in addition to being a dental assistant, she was responsible for handling the offices day-to-day administrative duties. Since Julie is cross-trained, she is an invaluable member of our team. She enjoys working in a very relaxing, clean and high-tech office. Julie has been on the Seasons Dental Care team since its inception.

Julie is fluent in English and Spanish. When not seeing patients, in addition to playing & watching most sports, she enjoys reading, going out with friends and trying different restaurants around the city.

Rebecca is our office manager and treatment/financial coordinator. She is head of the business office and oversees our day-to-day operations including scheduling, insurance and accounts receivable. Rebecca is also integral in our patient communications, public relations and clinical operations.

Lucy is our lead dental assistant. She has been a dental assistant for several years and is very experienced in all aspects of clinical dentistry. In addition to her clinical obligations, Lucy has many important administrative responsibilities as she works closely with senior office management.

Sarah is our newest staff member and we are very excited to have her on the team. She is an early career dental assistant and will soon be certified in coronal polishing. In addition to her dental assisting responsibilities, Sarah is cross trained and, therefore, able to assist us at the front desk when needed.

Paulina is currently on a leave of absence as she is currently a full-time dental student at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. We are very proud of her and look forward to her dental school graduation.

Georgia Hoidas is our General Manager/VP of Business Operations including marketing, human resources & recruiting and communications. She is responsible for Seasons Dental Cares people strategy including growing, developing and retaining the Seasons Dental Care team.

Georgia has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry where she has held multiple managerial and leadership roles in finance, operations, marketing and sales. Georgia holds a Bachelors degree in Finance and International Business from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.