I grew up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood on the south west side of Chicago and originally was accepted at Quigley South Seminary. My family moved to Downers Grove and I instead attended Benet Academy. After graduating high school, I attended Drake University on an athletic scholarship. I transferred and then graduated from Illinois Benedictine College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Northwestern University Dental School was my next stop and I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1980. When I was a junior in Dental School I married Janet and by the time I graduated we had a baby girl named Kelly. Patrick ll, Sean followed very quickly and we waited 13 years to have our last two daughters Michelle and Heather.

My first job in dentistry was to work as an associate in a Westmont practice. I then started my own practice in February 1986 and have been at 19 North Cass Avenue ever since. We live in the back of the building and work in the front like many of the business did years ago in downtown Westmont.

My education did not stop when I graduated from Dental School. I have attended many courses of continuing education including the prestigious Pankey Institute, the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies, Frank Spears courses, Mark Pipers courses and many other courses in topics I enjoy most. It is fun to be a dentist, owning my own practice because things are constantly changing for the better. Technology has advanced greatly since I graduated.

It has been a joy to have been a part of the Advanced Dental Study Club and now with Dr. Timothy Walshs study club. Keeping up with the changes in dental technique and materials has been a fascinating journey that will continue as long as I practice, which will be for quite a while since my youngest is just starting high school!

Dentistry has truly been a gift from God and I look at every patient as a gift from God to me. I look at my day to day work as a sacred mission. Going on 15 dental mission trips over the years has brought a deeper understanding of life. In many areas, I now have a greater appreciation for what we have. My latest project has been to become a Candidate in the Diaconate Formation Program in the Archdiocese of Joliet. It is a 4 year training program and I am a little more than a year into it. Since Catholic Deacons arent paid I will still have my Practice to round out my life for hopefully many years to come.

Sara Buettner graduated from Prairie State College in 2001 and is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She has worked at Dental Excellence of Westmont for over a decade and couldnt be happier to be part of such a great team. She provides many services such as dental cleanings, sealant and fluoride application, taking radiographs, oral hygiene instruction and periodontal therapy. She is certified in CPR, utilizing the Diagnodent and stays current with continuing education. She loves her profession and hopes to provide you and your family with the best possible care in a calm and caring environment. Outside of the office she keeps very busy with her two boys. They love the outdoors and enjoy many sports

Terri received her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in St. Louis, Missouri. She has been working in the dental hygiene field for over two decades, primarily in general dentistry practices. Her experience also includes serving in clinics for underprivileged patients and working in a practice which specialized in pediatric dentistry, with an emphasis on special needs children. She has attended over 150 hours of seminars and continuing education programs and is certified in anesthesia administration and CPR. Terri has been with Dental Excellence of Westmont since 2001 and has earned the confidence of many patients. She is friendly and patient and combines skilled professional care with practical suggestions and encouragement, to provide each patient with a pleasant experience and optimal dental health. Terri is proud to be a member of Dental Excellence of Westmonts staff and enjoys the friendly, family atmosphere in the practice.

Lauren comes to Dental Excellence of Westmont with years of experience in both clinical and administrative capacities. She lends her skill to help patients navigate the ins and outs of dental treatment with ease and understanding. If you have questions about treatment planning, coordination, benefits, and insurance matters, she is here and ready to support you! We have been proud to have Lauren join the practice as an essential member of our dental family! A native of the southside of Chicago, Lauren is a mother of 2 great children and is the sister of our hygienist, Sara! She is warm, welcoming, and often leaves our patients with laughter and a smile.