At Southland Smiles, were so much more than a traditional dental clinic. As a team of passionate and dedicated dentists and dental professionals, we work together to empower our community one smile at a time.

Located in Flossmoor, IL, our practice is committed to providing a comfortable, enjoyable, and rewarding experience for patients of all ages. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and technology, we offer a diverse range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services for your utmost comfort and satisfaction.

A proud graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, Dr. Mantoan founded Southland Smiles in 1985. Believing in helping the less fortunate, he organized a group of volunteer dentists to provide urgent dental care for area homeless persons, and now Southland Smiles is part of Donated Dental Services, an organization of dentists who provide free dental care for those in Chicagoland with financial needs due to disabilities. He has held all officer positions in the South Suburban Branch of the Chicago Dental Society and served for three years on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Dental Society. Professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society.

Because Southland Smiles is blessed with the best professional staff in Chicagos Southland, Dr. Mantoan is able to step back from direct patient care and now oversees day-to-day operations in order to assure the highest quality of patient service and care possible. Very happily married with three children and three grandchildren, Dr. Mantoan enjoys family travel, classical music, and helping people in all walks of life.

Dr. Armand DiBenedetto, a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. In the time he has been associated with our practice, he has impressed us with his calm, caring demeanor and his clinical skills.

Dr. DiBenedetto gained valuable experience in general dentistry and oral surgery thanks to his work with the National Public Health service in non-profit clinics in Reno, Nevada, and in Chicago Heights, IL. Since then, he has been in private practice in the Chicagoland area, gaining excellent experience in endodontic therapy, cosmetics, and general dentistry. In addition, Dr DiBenedetto has attended many hours of continuing education in dental implant placement and restoration.

Dr. Zaid Atarchi is a Board Certified Periodontist. He graduated in 2001, obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the College of Dentistry, Baghdad University. He was selected to complete a prosthodontics residency at the same school. This residency provided him with advanced training in restorative dentistry. He earned his Masters Degree and Certificate in Prosthodontics in 2005. He held a faculty position as a full-time Clinical Lecturer at the College of Dentistry, Baghdad University. He spent several years in private practice and volunteering in community clinics, serving and educating oral health for people in need.

His interest in education compelled him to pursue another specialty training program. He enrolled at Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, where he earned his Master of Science in dentistry and Certificate in Periodontics in 2016.

Dr. Van graduated from Midwestern University-Illinois, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master in Biomedical Sciences degrees. She was born in Denver, Colorado, but she now resides in Burbank, Illinois.

In her free time, Dr. Van loves spending time with her family; traveling; painting; attending plays; and enjoying the outdoors by biking, hiking, working out, and nature watching. She also likes to give back to the community by volunteering her time to the underserved community around Illinois. In the past two years, she has also been on mission trips to the Dominican Republic to provide free dental care for patients who have limited access to dental care. She is excited to help patients get on the right track towards having a happier and healthier smile.

Dr. Brittany N. Brown graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in community health with honors from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. She is a member of the Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. She is also certified in Invisalign treatment.

Dr. Brown found dentistry through her public health journey during undergraduate studies. As a former clinical preceptor, Dr. Brown was able to serve within the public health sector, as well as teaching fourth-year dental students during their clinical rotations. This opportunity of exponential dental services and teaching has shaped her purpose in dentistry. Dr. Brown is passionate about patient education, making sure all patients understand their oral health status. She strives to design comprehensive treatment plan options for patients and creates road maps to obtain their personalized end goals. Dr. Brown is committed to providing optimal care and a comfortable experience for all her patients.

Currently, Dr. Brown lives in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois, and enjoys spending time with her family and puppy, Laila. Most of her weekends are filled with large family dinners, playing at the park with her two nephews and niece, walking Laila, working out, and movie dates with her fianc.

Stephanie is a recent graduate of Prairie State College. She graduated summa cum laude, and also received the Outstanding Dental Hygiene Student award in 2017. Stephanie also held memberships with Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society. Stephanie was drawn to Southland Smiles caring staff, and found their personalized attention to each patient impressive. For her, it is a joy to come to work every day and make a difference in peoples lives. While not at work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with family, her two dogs, and her friends. If its a beautiful day, youll be sure to find Stephanie outside enjoying it! She tries to go hiking any chance she can get, and will never say no to adventure.

Sharon graduated with an associates degree in Dental Hygiene from Prairie State College in 2016. She joined the Southland Smiles team in December of 2016. Prior to studying dental hygiene, Sharon earned a bachelors degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and an associates degree in Health and Wellness from Purdue University. One of the reasons she enjoys being a dental hygienist is because she knows she is making a positive impact on the world one person at a time. Every day she feels like she is making a difference by helping to improve each patients overall quality of life. In her free time, Sharon enjoys bowling and has accomplished the ultimate goal of a perfect 300 game. She also enjoys going to concerts, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends as much as possible. Sharon and her husband, Kevin, were married in July 2021 and are enjoying the newlywed life! They enjoy watching Cubs games, golfing, and hanging out with their dog, Boomer.

Vickys passion for dentistry happened more than 8 years ago when she took a position as a dental receptionist. In that time, she realized that she wanted to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene. She returned to school and is a recent graduate of Fox College with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. She also received the oral health education award for excelling in patient education. She loves having the opportunity to work with her patients on improving their oral health and educating them on how important oral health is to their overall health. Getting to know her patients and their families is very important to Vicky. In Vickys spare time she enjoys spending time with her puppy (Joy), family, going to the gym, hiking and traveling. She is a big game of thrones fan. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Lynn has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 35 years. She is a graduate of Prairie State College. Clinical dental hygiene is a passion of hers and improving patient health drives her. Lynn had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mantoan for 11 years at the start of her career and has come full circle as she rejoins the team. She enjoys spending free time with her husband and two grown children. She also enjoys Interior design, hiking and baking.

Raegan joined Southland Smiles in 2020. Helping others has always been at the core of her passion for dentistry, and She hopes to go on several dental mission trips throughout her career. She has always strived to put a smile on her patients face and to help them feel at ease. Each day is an adventure full of possibilities. In her spare time, she enjoys to travel, exercise/yoga, and spend time with her loved ones.

Brenda is part of our Southland Smiles Dental Hygiene Team! Brenda started her dental career in 2001 as a dental assistant where she fell in love with her profession and decided to pursue it further and become a dental hygienist. Brenda graduated from Kennedy King College, for many years she has practiced her profession as a hygienist and continues her passion in her field. Brenda loves to educate her patients on oral hygiene care and products that best fit their needs. Brenda and her husband of 21 years have 2 amazing daughters. Her family has a Siberian husky named Luna, who is her baby, helps her de-stress and keeps Brenda entertained with her singing. As a family, they love to travel and value their family time together and love to build memories because Tomorrow is not Promised.

Karen has been with Southland Smiles for many years. Graduating from Prairie State Dental Assisting School, she has worked for many years as a Dental Assistant. She is now working in the business aspect of the practice as an insurance coordinator. She loves her role at Southland Smiles, helping patients with insurance get the maximum allowable benefit. Karen has been happily married for over 45 years to Dr. Richard Mantoan and loves being with her three children, their spouses, and grandchildren. Her hobbies are walking and reading good books. Most important to her is her faith, family, and friends.

Kimberly started working for her family dentist at the front desk and has grown to love helping patients so much that she has been in the dental field for 20+ years. She joined the Southland Smiles team in November of 2016 as part of our Insurance Department. She is now part of the Management Team, overseeing Human Resources and Marketing. She enjoys reading, traveling, crafting, enjoying life with family & friends and spoiling her two Papillion dogs Peanut & Parker.

Gabriela became part of Southland Smiles in July 2018. She has over 20 years of dental experience and she is dedicated to helping patients have a better understanding of their insurance benefits and how they work. Gabriela has been married for over 12 years and has a 9-year-old daughter who she adores! Gabriela enjoys running, traveling, and all things outdoors. She values her faith, family, and friends.

Maria became part of the Southland Smiles in July of 2015 but has been in the dental field for over 30+ years. As the Office Manager, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the practice and ensures patients have a wonderful experience when they visit our office. Maria loves talking with patients and helping them achieve their dream smile. Maria and her husband have 3 beautiful daughters, 1 son and 7 grandchildren. Maria enjoys gardening and spending lots of time with her growing family.

Ana joined Southland Smiles Team October 2017. She joined the office assisting the front desk team with her 17 years of dental experience. She enjoys interacting with all of our wonderful patients making sure they had a wow experience, as that is our goal at Southland Smiles. She is the mother of three daughters. Ana enjoys going on walks with her husband and watching her youngest daughter play soccer. Her favorite season is the summer when she has the opportunity to enjoy her favorite hobbies gardening her flowerbeds, herbs, vegetables, and bike riding.

Joanne is a mother of two sons and one daughter, and has been with her high school sweetheart for 40 years. Some of the activities she enjoys are spending time with family, exercise, training her new puppy, Lola, and traveling. Jo has been in the dental field for over 20 years, and has been with Southland Smiles since 2012 as part of the Patient Services Staff at the Front Desk. Jo loves the interaction with patients and takes pride in helping them achieve their best, healthy smile!

Briana joined the Southland Smiles team in January 2018. She is the bright smiling face you see when you walk into the office. Briana enjoys showing our patients around our office, and gathering as much insurance information as possible to help patients maximize their benefits at our office. Briana enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family.

Yesenia is another friendly face you will see at Southland Smiles. She joined our office in 2021. She has worked in the dental field for over 9 yrs. She enjoys informing patients about the financial part of their treatment and likes making sure her patients understand their insurance to maximize their benefits. She has a loving husband and 2 cats and 3 dogs. She enjoys listening to music, painting and crafting.

Yesenia aka Yesi went to Bloom High School in Chicago Heights and has been a dental assistant for 13 years. Yesi has been Dr. DiBenedettos assistant for over 8 years, 5 of which have been at Southland Smiles. Yesi loves working with Dr. D and their patients. She feels all of their patients are special and unique in their own way and she loves talking and connecting with all of them. Yesi and her wonderful husband of Mike, are the proud parents of a son and a daughter. Yesis favorite hobby is spending time with her family.

Katie has been an assistant since 2001. She loves helping people and making them feel at ease. Katie also loves fixing equipment and keeping our office adequately supplied. She is always willing to lend a hand wherever it is needed. Some of Katies favorite hobbies include fishing, disc golf, and rounding up donations for homeless veterans.

Esperanza which means Hope has been a Dental Assistant since 1995. She attended South Suburban College and has been Part of the Southland Smiles Staff since 2017. Hope loves the atmosphere and good vibe of the office. She feels that working here is like working with family. Hope and her husband of 20+ years have 3 wonderful children; Adrian, Andrea and Annalee. Her family bring her great joy and Life is Good.

Danice joined the Southland Smiles team in May 2018 as the Hygiene Assistant. She has worked in the patient care field for over four years. Danice is a graduate of University of St. Francis. She has always enjoyed working with and helping people and has had the opportunity to continue that here at Southland Smiles. In Danices spare time, she loves to work out and play soccer. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and fur babies, Zeus and Lady!

Marilyn joined the Southland Smiles Dental Assistant Team in September of 2019. Marilyn has been a dental assistant for several years. Before coming to Southland Smiles, she worked at an Endodontist office, specializing in root canals. She is now ready to master general dentistry! When she is not working, she is enjoying her time with her beautiful 1-year-son Angelo!

Monica joined the Southland Smiles team in 2021. She is currently studying Biomedical Sciences, with a Pre-Dental emphasis and Spanish minor at Grand Valley State University. She loves working as a dental assistant while she is home from school because it provides her with hands-on experience that will support her dream of becoming a dentist. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, live music, and appreciating all of Gods gifts!

Serenity joined Southland Smiles team at the beginning of February 2020 as an Assistant. She likes to make sure her patients are comfortable and leave the office happy. Serenity is 1 out of 8 children and has plenty of nieces and nephews. She loves helping others and is always willing to go above and beyond. In her spare time, she loves making people feel good about themselves by doing their eyebrows and eyelashes most importantly she loves spending time with her family.

Desiree joined Southland Smiles Hygiene Team in 2020. Behind her beautiful smile is a women who is passionate about dentistry. Her passion inspired her to further her education and she is looking forward to becoming a dental hygienist in the near future. She looks at each day as an opportunity to learn something new and exciting. In her spare time Desiree loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.