At the North Shore Center of Dental Health, we pride ourselves on offering our patients a nurturing, safe environment when it comes to dental care. Because our dental specialties include general, family, and implant dentistry along with more advanced services like periodontics and orthodontics, our patients can get most of the dental services they need all under one roof. Our mission is to guide our patients along a path of optimal dental health by delivering the highest possible level of care in an enjoyable, friendly environment. We want to improve the health of our patients, as well as their appearance, self-confidence, and overall quality of life. We believe good dental care is that important!
In addition to the friendly, cheerful team members who will greet you when you walk through our door, you will see that our office is modern and up-to-date. By staying current with the latest in dental technology, we can offer our patients the most efficient, comfortable dental care around. We are a family-friendly practice dedicated to building long-term relationships with our patients, and we are committed to providing our patients with clear communication and mutual respect. Our fun and crazy team will make your visit memorable. We promise you will leave with a smile on your face!
Dr. Chris Baboulas
General Dentist
Dr. Chris Baboulas is a 1986 graduate of the Loyola University School of Dentistry. His training focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry as well as implants and full mouth reconstruction. He is a member of the ADA, PFA, ICD, AGD, AAID, CDS, ISDS and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Chris proudly served his country during Operation Desert Storm and is currently retired from the US Army.
Dr. Chris and his staff are happy to donate their time and services to many worthy causes.
He has partnered with the "Give Back a Smile" program through the AACD in which he donates needed dental care to victims of domestic violence.
He is also partners with the Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, in which he donates dental care to people who cannot afford needed treatment due to serious disabilities, advanced age, or impaired health.
Dr. Chris Baboulas is a licensed General Dentist and is an Invisalign and Biolase certified provider.
Dr. Kathy Karalekas
General Dentist
Dr. Kathy Karalekas is also a 1986 graduate of Loyola University School of Dentistry. Like her husband, Dr. Chris Baboulas, her training focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry. She is a member of the ADA, CDS and ISDS.
Dr. Kathy Karalekas is a licensed General Dentist. She is also a Lumineers and Biolase laser certified provider.
Dr. Bruce Abdullah
Periodontist
Dr. Bruce Abdullah is a board certified Periodontist and Diplomate of the Academy of Periodontology. He received his doctorate degree from Loyola University and his specialty training in Periodontics and Implantology from Tufts University. Dr. Bruce has been in full time practice since 1989 and has been teaching part-time as a clinical Professor at Loyola University and the University of Illinois, specifically in the post-graduate periodontics specialty program. He is the prime clinical instructor that teaches the residents on the placement of implants and advancements in implant surgical procedures. He is extremely proficient in all phases of Implantology.
Dr Ben Youel
Dr. Ben grew up in northern Illinois. He attended North Central College in Naperville, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his college years, he was a three-time national qualifier and two-time NCAA Division 3 All-American wrestler.
His educational journey then brought him to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Prior to graduation, he was selected for induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society, a recognition awarded to fewer than 10% of his dental school classmates.
Following dental school, Dr. Ben completed a 12-month hospital-based residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. While there he learned advanced surgical techniques and how to manage medically complex and special needs patients.
After practicing as a general dentist for a few years, he headed back to UIC to complete a three-year orthodontic residency where he was elected class president by his co-residents. While attaining his specialist credentials as an orthodontist, Dr. Ben also earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences.
Dr. Ben is very active in organized dentistry. He serves as a volunteer leader with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society and the Illinois Society of Orthodontists. He is an accomplished speaker and has given lectures around the country on the subjects of personal development, professional development, and leadership.
Dr. Ben is bilingual (English and Spanish), Invisalign certified and experienced in complex/surgical orthodontics. He spends one day each month providing free care as a volunteer at the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic in Wheaton, IL.
In his free time, Dr. Ben likes spending quality time with his wife, Maggie, their dog, Ivy, and their cats, Kieran and Anders. Dr. Ben also enjoys watching movie marathons and running real marathons. His favorite post-marathon treat is a big mug of moose tracks ice cream.
Our Hygienists
Our hygienist's Eva and Lisa are friendly, funny, compassionate and highly skilled. They take special time with each patient to address their specific concerns and educate the patient on maintaining optimum dental health for a lifetime. Additionally, Eva speaks fluent Polish. Whether you are a patient who visit's the Dentist regularly or one who has not seen a Dentist in quite awhile (or not at all!), you can rest assured that you will leave feeling great and looking forward to your next visit! Many patients feel embarrassed that they have been unable to maintain their preventative care due to outside circumstances, or perhaps they have not been properly educated regarding the need for regular checkups. You should never feel embarrassed. The important thing is that you are ready now to make a commitment to your dental health. And our Biolase Laser Certified Hygienists are ready to help!
Our Dental Assistants
Chris, Natalya and Yelena are ready to welcome you. They will make you feel comfortable and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Some patients feel more comfortable discussing their situation with the Assistant's than the Doctors and we understand that and appreciate that confidence. Both Natalya and Yelena speak fluent Russian.
Our Front Office
Jody and Iliana will most likely be your contact once you make the important (and wise) decision to call us. They are both extremely helpful and friendly. It is their goal to make you look forward to your appointment and to alleviate any fears or concerns you may have. They are always here to help you in any way possible. If they are presented with a question they cannot answer, you can rest assured they will find the answer for you! "I don't know" is simply not a phrase in their vocabulary. Additionally, Iliana speaks fluent Spanish. Jody is our resident insurance expert and continually strives to stay abreast of the constant changes and fluctuations in the dental insurance industry.
Jody or Iliana will create a payment plan that is comfortable for you and allows for you to receive the care you need and want without stressing your finances. It is our desire to make you happy both clinically and financially!
You know you're great when even after you stuck, poked and drilled me I say you're outstanding. Great job folks -I have serious issues with going to a dentist and everyone at your office has made it easy. You must put something in the water!
Thanks again!
- David