Meet Our Team
PAUL J. CHAIKEN, DDS, FACD, FAGD
Dr. Paul Chaiken completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, before graduating with his dental degree from the Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1984. Continuing education in dentistry is a lifelong endeavor for Dr. Chaiken, and he has completed advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, TMJ therapy, root canal therapy, snoring and sleep apnea treatment, Invisalign® orthodontics, and sedation dentistry. Dr. Chaiken has also achieved fellowship awards through the American College of Dentists and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Chaiken is a member of the Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy and, as such, is able to provide his patients with the finest evidence-based dentistry possible. He is also a member of several other professional organizations, including:
Dr. Chaiken has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years and loves the opportunity to help his patients by making a positive change in their health. His goal is to listen to and understand the unique desires of each patient and provide them state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dentistry with excellence, trust and caring.
In addition to his work as a practicing dentist, Dr. Chaiken is also an assistant clinical professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine. Dr. Chaiken was selected from an elite group of dental professionals to serve on the clinical advisory board of two dental research publications, as well as the American Medical Association publications. He is a published author and medical consultant to the American Medical Association in three books: AMA Complete Guide to Women’s Health, AMA Complete Guide to Men’s Health and AMA Complete Guide to Your Children’s Health.
Dr. Chaiken and his beautiful wife of more than 20 years have two daughters. He loves spending time with his family, listening to live music and hanging out with friends. When he has the time, he also enjoys skiing, golfing and scuba diving. Dr. Chaiken and his family are all very interested in environmental issues and social justice, and they regularly volunteer with organizations dedicated to feeding the homeless. Dr. Chaiken is also on the board of directors for an organization with strong environmental and social justice initiatives. In addition, he volunteers dental services for underprivileged and handicapped individuals in the Chicago area.
ROBERT A. KURTZ, DDS, BSD, FAGD
Dr. Kurtz was born and raised in Chicago. He attended Von Steuben High School and Niles North High School, attended the University of Illinois, and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in biology and physiology. He went on to the University of Illinois Dental School in 1972 and graduated with honors with DDS and BSD degrees in 1976. Dr. Kurtz went into private practice and taught at the dental school for three years.
Over the years, Dr. Kurtz earned the prestigious Fellowship degree from the American Academy of Dentistry. Along with the degree, Dr. Kurtz has continued to earn approximately 1,000 hours of educational and hands-on courses in the fields of implant placement and restoration, cosmetic dentistry, minor tooth movement with Invisalign® and ClearCorrect, occlusion; endodontics, and reconstruction of the dental complex. He has also performed bone grafting and sinus grafting for future implant placement and has sought out the top lectures in those fields to add importantant tools to help his patients regain their dental health.
Dr. Kurtz is a member of the American Dental Association®, the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois Dental Society, the Seattle Study Club, the Chicago Dental Forum and the Academy of Osseointegration, and he is a former member of the Alpha Omega Dental fraternity.
Dr. Kurtz’s goal is to provide the highest level of dental care, ranging from the most basic to the most advanced cases. He believes in listening to the patient, understanding their concerns of proposed dental treatment and fully discussing all options for the patient to achieve their optimum dental health.
MEET OUR TEAM
Our friendly team is excited to help you achieve a more beautiful smile! We love welcoming patients of all ages to our office and will work with you to help feel at ease and receive the treatments you need. Call us today to make an appointment with our dentists in Chicago, Illinois, and find out more about our dental services!
KRISTY M.
PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR
Kristy attended Marquette University for degrees in psychology and philosophy and joined our team in July 2021. She loves how dentistry can change a patient’s health and happiness, and she works hard to keep our office running smoothly and ensure that each patient who visits us has a positive dental experience.
When not in the office, Kristy enjoys hiking, fishing, knitting, crocheting and spending time with her family.
MARINA M.
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Marina graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. She has also completed a Master of Fine Arts degree. Marina taught clinical dental hygiene at the University of Illinois for five years and joined Dr. Chaiken’s practice in 2007. She loves having the opportunity to work with such wonderful patients and with a sweet and caring team, and she works to stay current with what is new in dental hygiene and dentistry so that our patients can receive the best possible care.
Marina is married to her handsome, Irish husband, whom she met in England many moons ago. They have two daughters, one who lives in England and another who lives in Chicago. Outside the office, Marina loves traveling and enjoys cycling and walking for exercise as well as a good glass of Prosecco.
TRACEY W.
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Tracey received her dental hygiene degree from Northwestern University Dental School and started working at our practice in 2022. She loves working with people she has established a relationship with over the years and looks forward to establishing new relationships. Tracey is a team player, and she enjoys serving all her patients.
Tracey is married and has three sons, three daughters-in-law, and one and a half grandchildren. Outside of the office, she loves biking, hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
JILL P.
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Jill joined our team in 2011 but has been working in the dental field since 1993. She loves the relationships she has developed with our patients and focuses on ensuring that each person who visits us is comfortable and has a VIP experience.
Jill and her husband, Rob, have two Boston Terriers, Millie and Arlo. Outside the office, her hobbies include cooking, gardening and collecting vinyl records.