About Smile First Family Dental Studio

Meet Our Team

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 😉

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.

Josh is married to Andrea and has 2 beautiful children; and an orange cat.  He has a love for Chocolate Labradors.  Josh is a dedicated parent and brings his children into the office to visit. 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 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!

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

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!