About Smile First Family Dental Studio

Dr. Ilie P. Pavel

Dr. Pavel is originally from Romania, where he graduated from medical school in Cluj-Napoca, a picturesque old Transylvanian city. After graduation he worked as an internist for a short time in Sinaia, Romania and 1986 he moved to America to advance his education.

He received his degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loyola University of Chicago. Upon achieving his degree, he also worked as a teaching assistant in the histology department. Dr. Pavel is a Board Certified General Dentist and a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society.

As an active member of organized dentistry, he was President of the North Side Branch in 2003-2004,  also he served as Director of North Side Branch of Chicago Dental Society  from 2013-2015 and is always proud to volunteer every year for the Chicago Midwinter Meeting- one of the top dental meeting in the world. Along with dentistry, one of Dr. Pavel passions is making wine.

He is an active member of The American Wine Society, and has received several prize medals over the years from international amateur wine competitions. Dr Pavel and his wife Cristina reside in Skokie.

Dr. Cristian attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He received his bachelors of sciences degree from Indiana University.

He is an active member of the Chicago Dentist Society and he enjoys traveling, snowboarding, boxing, soccer, spending time with his family, and yoga. He’s also a yoga instructor at at Yoga Six downtown!

From nutrition to intuition, our team is well endowed in the most successful ways of obtaining optimal oral health and overall health. We would be delighted to share with you the benefits of caring for your teeth and gums, healthful eating, mindfulness, etc… All the tools to help you in living a balanced happy life.

Dr. Danielle Cascioli

Dr. Cristian and Dr. Danielle have teamed up to create smile transformations together! For more information visit @thedentalyogis

Dr. Joshua Ries

Endodontist | “Dr. Serious” 

Dr. Joshua Ries has been practicing Endodontics in the Chicagoland area for nearly 10 years. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Dr. Ries received his Bachelors from Tufts University in Political Science and  a minor in Art History.  He continued his education at Tufts University: School of Dental Medicine where he earned his D.M.D.;  and his Certificate in Endodontics.  A trifecta in Education and family lineage.  Dr Ries is proud to be the third dentist in his family- following his grandfather and father into the field.

Dr. Ries is an active member of several dental organizations and has held numerous leadership positions. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the American Association of Endodontists, The Coolidge Club and is the newly elected President of the Northside Branch of the Chicago Dental Society.  This brings a nice balance to office and interaction with Dentists and Politics.  Dr. Ries will be adding Dental Educator to his resume this year when he joins Dr. Carrara in the Endodontic department at Advocate Illinois Masonic Dental Residency program. He hopes to inspire a 4th generation to enter the dental profession.  He is very handy in the office: changes lightbulbs and hangs pictures. He is an avid Bears and Blackhawks fan.  Loves to try new restaurants and Bourbons.

Cristina Pavel

Office Manager | “The Boss” 

Cristina Pavel is the heart and soul of this office! Not only is she the glue that binds everyone together, but her hard work and dedication brought our beautiful office to where it is today. And to top it off, she also managed to raise two boys at the same time!

Stephenie Travetto

Board Certified Hygienist | “Ms. plaquattacker” 

Stephenie has been with us since the beginning, and she never missed a day or a tooth with plaque! She takes full pride in her work and lives to brighten the lives of her patients via their hygiene and by putting smiles on their faces! Stephenie earned her dental hygiene degree in applied science from the College of Lake County in Illinois where she graduated with high honors. She is currently a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association as well as the Chicago Dental Society. On her free time she is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two daughters, she’s also in a working relationship with kale 😉

Lena

Dental Assistant

Lena will never say no to any task! She will also say please and thank you about a million times. She’s actually a dentist trained in Moldova, a mother of two and aspiring to practice dentistry in America!

April

Patient Coordinator

No matter what the circumstance, you can always rely on April to respond with a smile and a burst of sweetness 🙂

Kinga

Assistant

Kinga is filled with heart. No matter the circumstance, Kinga will always approach with a smile, a gift, and unrelenting ambition!

6122 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Call 773.739.2800 today, to schedule your first visit. We’re excited to meet you!