As in medicine, a Pediatrician differs from a general/family practitioner; a pediatric dentist also differs from a general/family dentist. A pediatric dentist is a specialist who has specialized in the care of children; he/she has two or more additional years of hospital/university training to become a specialist.

This specialty includes but not is limited to the ability to treat both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence including those with special health care needs. As a specialist we also study craniofacial growth in order to diagnose and consult problems affecting orofacial esthetics, form or function.(I.E. Braces) Dental care may extend to an out-patient or ambulatory care facility if needed.


Dr. Joseph Zakarija D.D.S.,M.S. is Board Certified Pediatric Dental Specialist by the Illinois Board of Dental Examiners and Licensure. He specializes in the oral care of children which extends to the use of Laser Dentistry, Braces, and when necessary Hospital Care to perform dental rehabilitation in a hospital or out-patient facility. He also takes pride in the ability to work exceptionally well with special needs children.