COUNTRY VS. TOWN: DR. BIANCA CLARK

DR. BIANCA CLARK was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then her family relocated to coastal Gulfport, Mississippi. She grew up very involved scholastically, as well as philanthropically, and in civic matters locally. She observed her parents’ deep involvement in the community, which fostered in her the importance of creating a life that enriches that of others. Her parents remain devoted to service and Bianca continues the tradition here in Hinsdale. She carried on another family tradition by attending Tougaloo College, a small private college in Mississippi where most of her family also attended. Dental school brought her to Tennessee, where she completed her Doctorate before residency in New York.

“My parents were thrilled when I told them I was moving to New York, where I’d never been and knew no one, two days after graduating dental school,” she says, adding, “I have had the incredible opportunity to be surrounded by so many amazing people throughout my life, that challenged and continue to challenge me to always be the best version of myself.”

Bianca shares that life as a newly licensed dentist was very interesting as dental jobs were harder to come by than anticipated. “I spent a month looking for a job in a practice that I felt could help me be a better clinician. I was literally walking into dental practices in New York City with my CV in hand, ready!”

Post residency she worked in a cosmetic only practice at 30 Rockefeller Center, then transitioned to a nonprofit where she worked exclusively on patients who were struggling to regain control of their life post addiction while also teaching dental residents at Columbia University/Harlem Hospital.

“I learned so much about life, and myself. It was an amazing experience, and I gained such an understanding of what it means to be a part of something larger than yourself, which I think is a large part of growth that happens when you live in New York, you truly see how large the world is because it’s a global city.”

These days her life is just as full, if not more so, but she keeps trying to fill it with more life experiences. She and her dental partner run a thriving private practice with two offices in Chicago. Bianca is also an educator who does speaking engagements, leads international webinars, and teaches courses related to 3D printing in dentistry, which takes her to Orange County, California quite often.

This multi-faceted professional loves dentistry. Bianca has worked to maintain a practice that not only provides an amazing patient experience but is bespoke in conservative and biomimetic principles and treatment options.

“I would say my life now is a continuation of what drives me, a perpetual desire for growth, in all directions,” she says.

Do you have a mantra? In professional practice: measure twice, cut once. In life: live a life of which you are proud. But they have the same foundation: live and work with intention, focus, integrity, and care for yourself and others. On your reading stack? I mean, “Atomic Habits” I will always go back to. Everything else is related to dental aesthetics/facially driven smile design/3D printing.

What organizations do you support? Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, which I think is a great way to have an impact on our local community and The Community House SPARK program. I am part of a few dental organizations that focus on access to care for vulnerable populations. What’s your signature entertaining style? Elegant and thoughtful. The small personal touches matter! Favorite spring tradition or activity? TRAVEL! And I love walking. It provides me with space to think through my days and process anything I am internally working through. I’m a “can we walk there?” kind of person.

WHEN IN COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? Anything black. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? Sunscreen in the warmer months. Clorox Wipes when traveling (if you know, you know). Where do they know you by name? Cafe La Fortuna (coffee gives me life). Describe your perfect day? A perfect day for me would be simple: al fresco dining with amazing company.

WHEN IN TOWN

What’s in your bag? I travel VERY light. If I bring a bag, it will have a wallet and an Hermes lipstick (the absolute best lipstick, btw). Unless it’s my work bag, where you will find materials from dental companies who want me to test their products, journal articles, and probiotic mouthwash. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Between country and town, I was introduced to Vibes Cafe in La Grange by Liz Ewing (who has an amazing tea line: Discovery of Wellness). The red-light therapy bed is transformative! Do you have a favorite museum? As cliché as it is, The Louvre is my favorite museum.