Xheni Basko (pronounced Jenny), DMD is a board-certified dentist, who specializes in medical and cosmetic dentistry. She believes in a partnership between patients and dentists. She strives to ensure that each patients voice is heard and each patients expectations are exceeded. Her practice philosophy is based on quality care, compassion and educating her patients about oral health. Dr. Basko is committed to providing outstanding, innovative dental care for her patients.
Dr. Basko received her Bachelors of Arts in Biology from Northwestern University and Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago. From a young age, she has had a strong passion for science. She has completed several research projects over the years, managing to publish her first scientific paper at the age of seventeen. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Basko has been honored with numerous awards. Most recently, she received the Golden Scaler Award' for Clinical and Academic Excellence in Periodontics. Dr. Basko is an active member of numerous dental organizations, including the Illinois State Dental Society, American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. She believes strongly in continuing education, and frequently attends educational conferences in order to expand her knowledge in dentistry and to stay up-to-date with the most innovative treatments.
Dr. Basko is an active member in the community and has dedicated a lot of hours towards helping the underserved and the disabled. At her leisure time, Dr. Basko enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves traveling, playing sports, dancing and exploring nature. Above all, she loves art. When asked why she chose the field of dentistry, Dr. Basko 's response is ' Dentistry is the one field that allows me to incorporate my passion of art and science to help improve the health, appearance and confidence of others.'
But somehow we managed. Slowly, my family was able to overcome some financial barriers. I was congenitally missing 4 teeth. At first I saw this dentist who gave me braces. But it was done poorly and caused more complexity. Later on I saw a more competent dentist who, partnering with specialists, coordinated a long-term, comprehensive treatment plan. I has braces a second time, and eventually had 4 implants placed. 2 at a time, due to cost concerns. The whole process took many years. I was already in college when the treatment was still continuing.
Before going into dentistry, I thought about becoming a musician. I played the flute. In high school I was a member of The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. I became fascinated with how woodwind instruments are made by hand. I took my instrument apart, fixed and restored it. I visited instrument makers at their shop and watched them work. I was amazed at the things these master craftsmen can fix. I learned to love working with my hands. I saw that the result is more than the sum of the small hand actions its magic. I loved the idea of restoration that I can take an old, broken instrument which sounded terrible and restore it to its designed glory, to make it sound beautiful again. In a way, my being a dentist, restoring broken teeth, gives me the same joy.
At The Radiant Smile, I used the same laboratory technician for 10+ years. We talk on a weekly basis about the quality of the crowns he makes for me. Our relationship is strictly professional. He has a successful dental lab business; all his clients are dentists. Everyday he sees what few people sees the work of many dentists, side by side to be compared. Over the years he knows who is good. When his daughter and his wife needed dental work. They came to see me. Even though I did not receive a plaque to hang on the wall, I consider this one of the highest honors. It comforted me to be affirmed that I am good at what I do. A couple of years ago, a dentist who had a office a mile away from mine (who shall remain nameless), came to see me after hours for complex treatment. It confirmed in me a sense of peace that I chose a good path; I was meant to be a dentist, it is my art.
Along with this privilege, and the influence I have as a boss, comes a duty to uplift people. Taking this responsibility seriously is what I like the most about my job that I can be a mentor to those who work alongside me. I love taking in people with no experience, and helping them discover that they are capable of more than they think, that they should set their gaze on a higher goal. To inspire, and to give opportunity, that is what I like most about my job.
I practiced dentistry at The Radiant Smile since 2003. During this time, 2 of my chair side assistants have gone to school and became licensed dental hygienists. And 5 of my assistants chose to go to dental school and are now working as license dentists! In fact, one of them, Dr. Xheni Basko, recently returned to The Radiant Smile and now works as as my colleague! The pipeline doesnt stop there one of my current assistants is now going to school and preparing for the dental school entrance exam. This makes me happy. It is what I like most about my job.
I wonder if he would have felt he got more value for his money if he went to the Emergency Room and waited 5 hours then it wont be so fast. Or if he went to a bad dentist who struggled with the procedure for two hours, then perhaps he wouldnt complain that it was so easy. My point is, what looks easy, took a lifetime of practice to accomplish. When you hear a mature pianist play one of Mozarts sonatas for example, and it sounds so effortless, one is tempted to say, that sounds easy, I bet I can do that too. The fact is, that 5 minutes of effortless playing, took countless hours of practice, years of sweat and tears to perfect. Its the result of a lifetime of dedication to the craft.
I dont believe in marketing blitz, social media buzz, or promotional campaigns. For the dental profession, the tried and true path to career satisfaction is the reliable, consistent delivery of quality work. My approach is to grow my practice slow and steady. Dont sell. Dont over promise. Be realistic, authentic; be practical. In the real world, problems do occur. Acknowledge it, fix it. Treat others the way I want to be treated. Care about your work, even though people wont notice it; Take pride in your work, though others may not acknowledge it. One cannot be a happy dentist unless one can take satisfaction in doing good work, in and of itself, for its own sake. Patients often just want to have the confidence that youll be there when problems arise. I have practiced in the same location since 2003 with this philosophy.
Recent technological advances implants, 3D scanning and CAD-CAM milling, to name a few things have dramatically elevated the standard of dental care. It is important to adapt the new techniques, but also to be prudent and rely on a history of proven clinical success. Too much PR focus on the latest gimmicks from manufactures to promote the newest fad is unhelpful. I find an overly polished sales team distasteful. Ultimately, its dependable relationships with patients and a caring heart that lead to long term career satisfaction.
