Meet the Dentists
Dr. Ghassan Abboud
1st Family DentalDr. Abboud is founder and leader of 1st Family Dental. He opened the first office at the Clark Street location in 1996. He received his dental and specialty training at Loyola University concentrating in full mouth rehabilitation, removable dentures, and implants. He sees patients full-time handling all aspects of general dentistry as well as overall management of the 1st Family offices. He gets the most satisfaction in helping people. In his limited free-time he enjoys traveling, horses, and nature.Dr. Joseph Akhikar Dr. Akhikar graduated from Boston university school of dental medicine with high honor. His post graduate study and residency program in advance education in general dentistry was completed at Boston university school of dental medicine. Dr. Akhikar joined our practice at Elgin location in summer of 2006. Since then he acquired over 500 continue education hours in the field of general and implant dentistry. He is a fellow of American Dental Implant Association, and fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologist. He is also the recipient of American top dentist award for 2009, Omicron kappa upsilon award 2004, and International Congress of Oral Implantologist award. Dr. Akhikar is an active member at American Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Implant Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, International congress of oral implantology. He enjoys and love continues education, and traveling. Dr. Joumana Basha Practice Philosophy: To treat patients in a caring manner and to educate them about the importance of their oral health.Favorite thing about dentistry: The variety of general dentistry and the interaction with people of diverse background. Native of: Beirut, Lebanon Non-work activities: Reading and traveling. Currently involved in the following community organizations: American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society Dr. Carrie Hedin-Orthodontist Dr. Carrie Hedin Thangamani is the orthodontist at the Chicago Logan Square location. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame, her dental training at the University of Michigan, and her orthodontic specialty training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Carrie is a member of the American Dental Association, American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontics, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Chicago Dental Society. In her spare time, she enjoys fitness and running, travel, and spending time with her husband, Vijay. Dr. Carrie aims to improve the smiles of patients of all ages and is excited to be part of the 1st Family Dental Team.
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Practice Philosophy: To try and make a children dental experience a positive experience.
Dr. Park has been with 1st Family Dental since 2003. She practices general dentistry, including Lumineer and Invisalign at our Clark, Elgin, and Lincoln locations. Dr. Park received her dental degree at the University of Michigan. She used to enjoy golfing, playing tennis and skiing, but now, she prefers to spend her spare time playing with her new-born son.
Practice Philosophy: Treating patients the way I want to be treated.
Native of: Detroit area
Practice Philosophy: To provide a quality care to patients who expect the very best and are willing to become partners in their own dental health.
Favorite thing about orthodontics: As an orthodontist, it is a great feeling to have helped patients grow to love their smile.
Dr. Bob graduated from Northwestern University Dental School, and completed his formal education with a post-graduate degree from Marquette University Dental School. He has been an attending faculty member at Northwestern's TMJ clinic and attending staff at Children's Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Velano is a general dentist and works at all locations. He received his dental degree at University at Buffalo-New York. He has completed advanced training in the Navy for exodontia at the Naval Dental Center in San Diego, CA, and extensive training in prosthodontics and aesthetic dentistry at the Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He has been with us for 2 years and enjoys the close-knit, family-oriented work environment. During his free time he enjoys, running, outdoor adventures, photography, golf, and motor sports.
Bonciel Washington is a Chicago native. She currently practices orthodontics at our Clark and Little Village offices. She recieved her BA in Biology for Albion College. She later attend the University of Michigan School of Dentistry where she reicieved her DDS. Dr. Washington later completed an Orthodontic residency at Howard University College of Dentistry. When not working, Dr. Washington enjoys spending time with her husband and new baby daughter.
Practice Philosophy: To help patients in relieving pain, educate patients about their options in maintaining a nice and healthy smile.
