BEST IN SMILES

Michael Kowalczyk of Hinsdale Dentistry empowers patients to feel good about themselves and their teeth leading a practice that prioritizes compassion and minimally invasive, state-of-the-art dental care.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and in the case of Hinsdale Dentistry’s Michael Kowalczyk, it was his own aversion to going to the dentist that inspired him to join a practice where patients felt comfortable, confident, and empowered.

“I had extremely sensitive teeth when I was young. Just to get my teeth cleaned was a painful experience. It was something I did not look forward to,” explains Kowalczyk, who grew up in west suburban River Forest. “This is why now, as a dentist myself, I make sure we do everything we can to ensure people do not avoid getting that important preventive care.”

With an interest in science and math and the influence of family members who work in health care, he always knew that he would have a career in that sector. But the more time he spent with dentists, observing their clinical skills and talking about their daily practice, the more obvious his choice became to specialize in that field.

“Pursuing a career in dentistry was a perfect match for my personality and skills,” says Kowalczyk, who joined the long-established Hinsdale Dentistry 12 years ago and now owns the practice. “I enjoy working with my hands, I enjoy the patient interactions in the clinical procedures, and I enjoy knowing that I can teach people how to have a more positive impact on their health through good oral health care.”

He credits his “patient first” mindset to what he learned from mentors and even his own parents, who were both health care professionals.

“This foundation helped me to understand the importance of building each patient relationship based on listening, meeting needs together, and trust,” adds Kowalczyk. “One of my proudest moments was becoming my first grade teacher’s dentist. She taught me to read, to be curious, and to be interested in opportunities to learn. Now she trusts me to care for her.”

A turning point for Hinsdale Dentistry came last year when its beloved Dr. Peter Harnois died unexpectedly.

“Peter hired me in 2013 when I completed my post-graduate dental residency. We became partners and I am now the sole owner,” says Kowalczyk, explaining that Dr. Harnois began practicing at Hinsdale Dentistry in the 1980s—joining a practice founded by Dr. Don Thorne in 1969.

Hinsdale Dentistry recently welcomed two experienced dentists part-time to help usher in the practice’s next chapter—Dr. Kimberly Dyoko and Dr. Jennifer Moran-Kobes. It has also updated its x-ray system and installed computers with state-of-the-art screens so they can show patients images of their teeth in real time.

“The screens are twice the size of the previous ones and really help patients become more knowledgeable about their own teeth,” continues Kowalczyk, adding that when it comes to the practice’s cosmetic procedures, other new technology upgrades allow them to create a “digital smile” so patients can envision the possibilities. “It’s really important for us to listen to each patient’s expectations and goals. We want everyone to have teeth that are both beautiful and natural. There are ways to achieve this, so the restored teeth do not look too white or too false.”

In addition to Invisalign, Hinsdale Dentistry specializes in implants and in high-quality porcelain Lumineers and other cosmetic enhancements—procedures that can be life changing for some patients.

“The procedures can be hours long but when you put the temporaries on and they see their new smile for the first time, they often start tearing up,” he says. “They are so happy.”

Kowalczyk credits his background as a high school varsity athlete and a college lacrosse player to the work he does today at Hinsdale Dentistry—particularly when it comes to helping patients achieve their dental health goals.

“The lessons I learned from competitive play prepared me for dentistry—set goals, prepare, be confident, disciplined, strive for perfection, play under pressure, trust in making smart decisions, and value teamwork,” he explains. “In my office, we view dentistry as a single player and a team sport, and take a lot of pride in treating generations of family members with compassion and respect.”

That means building personal relationships that go beyond just taking care of teeth.

“Our goal is to be more than a dental provider. Unlike corporate dentist offices that have a ‘drill and fill’ mindset, we truly aim to be a part of our patients’ lives, to be a team they can count on,” adds Kowalczyk. “That’s how we set ourselves apart.”

For more information about Hinsdale Dentistry, visit hinsdaledentistry.com.