Meet Dr. Sandra , D.D.S.

Relationship Dentistry is alive and well at Aristo Dental and The Center for Facial Esthetics, Nutrition and Wellness. In dentistry, there is a saying: “You should never treat a stranger.” Part of the reason I chose dentistry is due to the great relationships I am able to form with so many different people. I feel so fortunate that I am in a position where I can meet and befriend so many different people from all walks of life. Everyone comes with so many different stories and experiences. I so enjoy talking to all of you. And if you are already a patient here, you surely know that! Academically, I graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 1995, where I majored in Biology. Immediately afterwards, I started Dental School at the University of Illinois – Chicago. I graduated in 1999. While I was in my last year of Dental School, I worked for an oral surgeon, more specifically the head of the Oral & Maxillofacial department of University of Illinois Dental School. This man is the finest practitioner I have seen. Every cut was meticulous: not too much not too little. He had the highest standards for his team, but he never wanted more from us that he didn’t aim for himself. By watching this man and standing alongside him for an entire year, I grew an immense appreciation for what he could do. After graduation, I was invited to apply for an externship in oral surgery. I gladly accepted. For the next nine months, I worked side by side with oral surgeons and oral surgery residents. I was performing extractions daily and loved it. Because of this background, taking hundreds of hours of Continuing Education classes in implant placement was not a far stretch. I completed the entire program from the California Institute of Implantology and earned their Fellowship – F.C.I.I. It’s hard not to get too personal at Aristo Dental. I practice with my husband, Giovanni, and it is very likely you will feel the family environment. In addition, we have a great relationship with our team members; they are merely an extension of our family. Speaking of family, Giovanni & I have three great children. Jonah who is ten, Ariana – seven and Lily – four years. Needless to say that is where I spend all my free time! If I had more energy and more hours in the day, I enjoy biking, hiking and doing yoga. I love to read and knit- thanks to a wonderful patient who made an appointment with me just to teach me the basics! I have training in Reiki-I and Reflexology. I am also a Certified Coach for Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. Start Nutrition Program (Lifestyle.Exercise.Attitude.Nutrition). This is a guide for parents of children ages 3-12, though you can imagine even the adults benefit! I offer workshops, lectures and one-on-one coaching. I can even do a pantry makeover in your home or take you on a guided tour of your local grocery store. As a graduate of Institute of Integrative Nutrition, I offer a Holistic approach to improve your health. Inflammation in our bodies causes some diseases like diabetes or heart disease, which show their signs within the mouth via periodontal disease. These can be controlled through nutrition. I can help support you in this endeavor.