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.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 33 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMattie Greenblatt
a year ago
I started coming to the Radiant Smile after years of no dental care. Dr. Basko soothed my anxiety, and took fantastic, empathetic care of some extensive damage. I had heard root canals really hurt, but the process and healing was as easy as such a procedure could possibly be. Seriously, I've had fillings from other dentists that were harder to get through. She treated as conservatively as possible, and was clearly incredibly thorough. I started working with Dr. Chen during an emergency appointment from a bad toothache. Big abscess, tooth had to go. I have finally finished the process of healing, implant, healing again, and getting the tooth placed. He was reassuring every step of the way, and just as skilled. He also performed my wisdom teeth removal, and was a great sport about how freaked out I was by the feeling. Finally, the hygienists and assistants are equally amazing. I noticed on the first visit how gentle they were while obviously getting the job done, and to me this is the mark of a truly good clinic. I have also seen a one or two reviews complaining about the front desk, which I simply will not stand for. They are always kind, clear and accommodating. I don't even live in Evanston anymore, but I won't move to a closer practice after finding such a gem. I'm forever grateful for The Radiant Smile.
Malik Pratt
a year ago
This facility is staffed by Queens and a King in Dr. Chen. The front desk staff is very soft spoken, professional and more than willing to work with you.They're like the opposite of the DMV. Dr. Chen is a friendly man who clearly loves his job and does great work at an exceptional speed with the help of his lovely assistants. I'd certainly recommend this place to anyone.
Lejla Besic
a year ago
YES! I finally found my dentist, Dr. Basko . I have gone to numerous dental offices and all have been terrible. The staff was rude and the dentists were trying to get every penny out of me without even explaining why I needed certain procedures done. It felt like going to a mechanic to get your oil changed and you walk out paying $500, not knowing why lol. When I walked into The Radiant Smile I felt the positive vibe instantly. The receptionists were very welcoming and were actually smiling! The office is beautiful, very clean and comfortable. I didn't have to wait an hour for the assistant to take me back into the dentists chair, which was almost the best part of the whole experience. Then Dr. Basko came in. She is the sweetest most knowledgeable dentist I have ever met. She took her time to review my X-rays and chart and spent time explaining EVERYTHING to me in detail. She made me feel so comfortable and I knew right away I could trust her. I highly recommended her to my family and friends, who have all been struggling to find a dentist as well. They all love her. Nothing but good things to say.
Rachel Crisan
2 years ago
I am so happy and grateful to Dr. Basko and her entire staff for taking such good care of my teeth. I have always been so afraid of the dentist and many times walked out during my appointment due to my anxiety of needles. Dr. Basko took that fear away because she is so gentle. I cannot believe I have gotten root canals, extractions, implants, veneers and crowns done. Never thought I would be able to do it without being put to sleep. Dr. Basko was painless and so patient and compassionate. I cannot thank her enough. The level of professionalism, precision and warmth that I was met with at every turn during my visits, by everyone, was amazing. I would highly, highly recommend Dr. Basko to anyone. I have referred a lot of family and friends to her and they all love her.
Cairo Journey
2 years ago
I've been going to this dentist for years and this is by far the best medical care and compassion I've gotten from any medical professional. Dr. Chen has treated me for years, and has only extended kindness, empathy and understanding. His dental assistants are always kind (if I knew them by name I would list them), and thorough. Despite my anxious approach the front desk has always been kind to me as well. Thank you for setting the standard in care for me :-) If you are an anxious person or someone who will need extensive work/wants good care, I would definitely recommend them.
Jessica Jang
2 years ago
I came here to get a root canal done on one of my molars and I've never had any big procedures done before other than a few small cavities, so I was terrified to do the root canal. Dr. Chen and his staff all made me feel better by making sure it was done smoothly. No complaints what so ever from my treatment and would reccomend Radiant Smile to anyone who is looking for a dentist who is proficient with his work and makes sure you are comfortable!
Long Zhang
2 years ago
My wife had bad experiences at Radiant Smile with Dr. Chen. He seems like a good character person. However, he is that kind of dentist who move from patient to patient, and doesn't really care about your dental health... We really regret going there... Moreover, the front desk people also need to learn to be respectful... For those who suffer dental problems I would suggest seek another dentist who cares patient more than money.
Elizabeth J. Wilton
2 years ago
I really like Dr. Basko but had a very disappointing experience with The Radiant Smile. Months ago I asked how much my insurance would cover for me to get a night guard. They said $60. I paid the $60, got the bite guard and thought everything was fine. Months later, they sent me a bill for $300 saying that insurance wouldn't pay. I called insurance several times since they couldn't figure it out and they said I was not approved to get a night guard unless I had perio surgery in the past. The Radiant Smile insists that I still owe them $300 and they will not allow me to schedule a 6 month cleaning saying my account is frozen but this was THEIR error and they will not call me back to discuss. This is really surprising considering this was their administrative mistake.
Maureen Mclaughlin
2 years ago
My husband and I both agree Dr. Basko is one of the best dentists we've ever been treated by in our lives (we are in our 60s). She's professional, decisive, gentle, skilled. I am a lot less fearful of going to the dentist and having procedures because of Dr. Basko's superior dentistry. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent dentist.
Pedro Gonzalez
2 years ago
I would recommend, without any reservations, Dr Basko, as your dentist. My experience is always great, she is very thorough with the examination and very detail oriented at the time of doing procedures. You can tell she truly cares for her patients. She takes her time to explain in a simple way so you can make an educated decision about your oral health.
Lindsey Wade
2 years ago
Complete waste of time. Would not treat extreme toothache due to me being pregnant. I.e. refuses d rays, antibiotics, and pain management. Everyone knows you can get x rays while pregnant, take antibiotics, etc. For god's sake your job is to treat me, not worry about the safety of my baby. See how much you worry about my baby when I die of sepsis because you won't do anything and my pregnancy makes me more susceptible to infection.
Jim Reynolds
2 years ago
I've been coming here for almost two years now and have always had a great experience. Good folks and the work I've had done by Dr Chen (cleanings and one crown) was solid.
Stewart Foley
2 years ago
Dr. Chen is the best dentist I've ever worked with. He is very knowledgeable and their fees are in line with dental insurance reimbursements. I highly recommend their practice for both structural and cosmetic dentistry.
Viceversa 1985
2 years ago
Dr. Bosko and her assistance are very good at cleaning teeth and resolving issues your teeth may have!
jerry Specht
2 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Chen for about ten years. I think he is a *very* good dentist. Most of the time his fees are low enough to be fully paid by Blue Cross! (The fees of other Evanston dentists I have gone to were not..) ...
Greg Romero
2 years ago
They will destroy your teeth. I went for a cleaning and the person I saw insisted that I needed a new crown over a tooth that was NOT hurting. Didn't have any tooth pain at all. Stupidly I listened to them and they maxed my insurance ...
Brittney Beauchamp
2 years ago
To say that I am beyond dissatisfied is an understatement. I have silver fillings in my mouth and they are an eyesore and I knew that I'm going to need a couple implants in the back of my mouth. When trying to find a dentist I was ...
Alketa Mati
2 years ago
I see Dr. Basko @ The Radiant Smile, and I love her. I have seen other dentists before, but none is like Dr. Xheni. She is honest, compassionate and very professional. I have done numerous procedures and she has never disappointed me. She ...
Diana Retana
2 years ago
Highly recommend! Absolutely grateful with Dr. Basko for taking me in last week when I needed a replacement! I feel as good as new. Always efficient and friendly. I have been a patient of Dr. Chen's for the past few years and do not mind ...
Lindsey Wade
2 years ago
Complete waste of time. Would not treat extreme toothache due to me being pregnant. I.e. refuses d rays, antibiotics, and pain management. Everyone knows you can get x rays while pregnant, take antibiotics, etc. For god's sake your job is ...
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