Carolyn
Carolyn’s role as Office Manager of McDonnell Dental, is to ensure that you have an excellent experience from the moment you enter the office. She makes sure the office runs smoothly, and is always ready to respond to your questions!
Carolyn is an experienced dental professional, having spent 36 years in the dental industry faithfully serving patients. She began her career working for her esteemed father, Dr. Jim Buckman, as a dental assistant and eventual member of the front desk staff. For the last 15 years, she has been with us at McDonnell Dental.
Aloria
Aloria is a licensed registered dental hygienist. She has been in the dental field for 15 years, with experience in assisting, as well as dental hygiene. She obtained her degree and license from a local college and has lived in the Chicagoland area all of her life.
Her knowledge and quality of care make her a wonderful asset to our team!
She enjoys spending time with her little family – her fiancé and their 4 kitty cats! She also loves reading, hiking, doing yoga, and making delicious vegan meals in her spare time.
Susan
Hi Everyone,
I am Susan and in the current line up I have been here the longest on/off for 35+ years. I am a true Chicagoan, born and raised in the Southside of the city. I graduated from a local hygiene program back in the day when Bachelor degrees were handed out. I have been very fortunate to work for and with some very fantastic dentists. They have taught me so much about dentistry and how to deal with people. I try to treat everyone as individuals and provide as much a positive experience as I can. I tend to have a dry sense of humor, so I hope we can share a few laughs in our appointments together.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and occasional gardening. I live in the city on the Northside, but I do miss my Southside roots. My blood runs Soxside!!
Pam
In her 46th year in the dental industry, the last 30 at McDonnell, Pam has seen and done it all. Yes, she performs laboratory work, such as custom and bleach trays, and takes care of in-house whitening. True, she works behind the scenes to clean the Autoclave and cold sterilizations, and works with suppliers on the pricing and ordering of most of the office supplies. Correct, she assists the office manager in routine administrative follow-ups. But patients appreciate most Pam’s special attention to detail as she props a pillow under their heads, gets them a blanket, or changes the radio dial to their favorite opera station.
“We make patients feel comfortable,” says Pam. “I try to be personable. I love what I do, and I think patients can sense that.”
Pam started working in the industry right out of high school, and over the course of her career has assisted in general dentistry, periodontics, endodontics and pedodontics, as well as the University of Chicago’s Dental Lab. She compares the atmosphere at McDonnell favorably to every other place at which she’s worked.
“It’s just a really great work environment—very laid back,” says Pam. “That’s why I’ve been here so long. We’re very professional, and everybody here is happy. We’re all crazy about McDonnell Dental. You don’t see anybody coming to work all grouchy and frowned up.”
Mirtela
I was born and raised in Chicago. I have been working in the dental field as a dental assistant since 2001. I joined McDonnell Dental 3 years ago and I love the fun atmosphere of the office. There is never a boring day! Throughout my journey as a dental assistant, I have worked for different offices and doctors where I gained experience in different procedures and stayed up to date on new technology and materials. I truly love what I do. My main priority is for my patients to feel comfortable and do my best to assure they have a positive experience. When I am not helping transform smiles, I enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with my family and friends.