NORTH SHORE CENTER OF DENTAL HEALTH - Key Persons
Dr. Ben grew up in northern Illinois. He attended North Central College in Naperville, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. During his college years, he was a three-time national qualifier and two-time NCAA Division 3 All-American wrestler.
His educational journey then brought him to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Prior to graduation, he was selected for induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society, a recognition awarded to fewer than 10% of his dental school classmates.
Following dental school, Dr. Ben completed a 12-month hospital-based residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. While there he learned advanced surgical techniques and how to manage medically complex and special needs patients.
After practicing as a general dentist for a few years, he headed back to UIC to complete a three-year orthodontic residency where he was elected class president by his co-residents. While attaining his specialist credentials as an orthodontist, Dr. Ben also earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences.
Dr. Ben is very active in organized dentistry. He serves as a volunteer leader with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society and the Illinois Society of Orthodontists. He is an accomplished speaker and has given lectures around the country on the subjects of personal development, professional development, and leadership.
Dr. Ben is bilingual (English and Spanish), Invisalign certified and experienced in complex/surgical orthodontics. He spends one day each month providing free care as a volunteer at the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic in Wheaton, IL.
In his free time, Dr. Ben likes spending quality time with his wife, Maggie, their dog, Ivy, and their cats, Kieran and Anders. Dr. Ben also enjoys watching movie marathons and running real marathons. His favorite post-marathon treat is a big mug of moose tracks ice cream.
Dr. Bruce Abdullah is a board certified Periodontist and Diplomate of the Academy of Periodontology. He received his doctorate degree from Loyola University and his specialty training in Periodontics and Implantology from Tufts University. Dr. Bruce has been in full time practice since 1989 and has been teaching part-time as a clinical Professor at Loyola University and the University of Illinois, specifically in the post-graduate periodontics specialty program. He is the prime clinical instructor that teaches the residents on the placement of implants and advancements in implant surgical procedures. He is extremely proficient in all phases of Implantology.
Dr. Chris Baboulas is a 1986 graduate of the Loyola University School of Dentistry. His training focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry as well as implants and full mouth reconstruction. He is a member of the ADA, PFA, ICD, AGD, AAID, CDS, ISDS and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Chris proudly served his country during Operation Desert Storm and is currently retired from the US Army.
Dr. Chris and his staff are happy to donate their time and services to many worthy causes.
He has partnered with the "Give Back a Smile" program through the AACD in which he donates needed dental care to victims of domestic violence.
He is also partners with the Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, in which he donates dental care to people who cannot afford needed treatment due to serious disabilities, advanced age, or impaired health.
Dr. Chris Baboulas is a licensed General Dentist and is an Invisalign and Biolase certified provider.
Dr. Kathy Karalekas is also a 1986 graduate of Loyola University School of Dentistry. Like her husband, Dr. Chris Baboulas, her training focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry. She is a member of the ADA, CDS and ISDS.
Dr. Kathy Karalekas is a licensed General Dentist. She is also a Lumineers and Biolase laser certified provider.