Meet the Team
Barrington Smiles
Meet the Barrington Smiles Team
All professionals at Barrington Smiles in Barrington, IL maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Check out the bios below to learn more about us and our experience and training. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
Dr. Milad Saad
Dentist
35+ Years of Excellence in Dental Care
Dr. Saad is a distinguished dentist with an impressive career spanning over 35 years. With advanced training that allows most procedures to be performed in-house, Dr. Saad has become a trusted name in the dental community. Known for his compassion, care, and gentle demeanor, he is dedicated to creating beautiful smiles.
Professional Expertise
Dr. Saad's extensive experience is complemented by his advanced training, which enables him to handle a wide range of dental procedures within his practice. Whether it’s oral surgery, implants, endodontics (root canals), or complex restorative cases, Dr. Saad's skillset is comprehensive and refined. His participation in a post-doctoral residency further honed his abilities, allowing him to offer exceptional care in these specialized areas.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Saad's approach to dentistry is rooted in compassion and a genuine desire to improve his patients' lives. He takes great pride in his work, making sure each patient receives personalized attention and the highest quality of care. Creating beautiful smiles is not just a job for Dr. Saad; it is a passion that drives him to continually seek ways to enhance his patients' dental health and confidence.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Saad cherishes the time spent with his wife, Mai, and their 2 children, Chris and Angie. Family is at the heart of Dr. Saad's life, and he loves creating lasting memories through travel and shared experiences. His dedication to his family is evident in the joy he finds in these moments.
Continuing the Legacy
Dr. Saad's son, Chris, has recently been accepted into dental school, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the family's legacy. Chris is poised to follow in his father's footsteps, carrying on the tradition of excellence in dental care. This significant milestone is a testament to the values and dedication that Dr. Saad has imparted to his children.
A Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Saad's ongoing commitment to continuing education is a cornerstone of his practice. By staying updated with the latest advancements in dentistry, he ensures that his patients benefit from the most current and effective treatments available. This dedication to lifelong learning underscores his passion for the field and his unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care.
Conclusion
Dr. Saad's long career is a testament to his expertise, compassion, and dedication to the field of dentistry. His ability to perform a wide range of procedures in-house, combined with his advanced training and continuous pursuit of knowledge, sets him apart as a leader in his field. His legacy is not only defined by his professional achievements but also by the loving family he cherishes and the memories they create together. As Chris prepares to enter dental school, the Saad family's legacy of dental excellence is set to continue, guaranteeing their commitment to creating beautiful smiles and providing exceptional care will endure for generations to come.
Donna Grzegorek
Dental Hygienist
A Journey of Commitment, Passion, and Excellence
In the field of dental hygiene, few professionals have dedicated as much time and effort as our distinguished dental hygienist, Donna Grzegorek. Practicing for an impressive 45 years, Donna has become a beacon of excellence, commitment, and passion within the dental community. A career decorated with prestigious industry recognition, her contributions as a clinician, patient advocate, hygiene educator, practice coach, student mentor, speaker, writer, key opinion leader, and lifelong learner are extensive and inspiring.
Early Career and Dedication
Donna’s journey began with a deep-rooted commitment to improving patient care and promoting oral health. From the outset, Donna demonstrated a remarkable dedication to her profession, quickly earning the respect of colleagues and patients alike. Her practice was founded on the principles of professionalism, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Award-Winning Excellence
Throughout her career, Donna has received several industry honors, each a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field of dental hygiene. Her accolades are not merely symbols of achievement but reflections of her unwavering dedication to the profession and the high standards she sets for herself and those she associates with.
Some of her awards include:
- Dental Hygienist of the Year
- The Sunstar Award of Distinction
- Hygiene Hero
- The Award for Excellence in Public Health (for her work with oral cancer)
- Distinguished Alumna
Most recently, Donna became a Fellow of the American Dental Hygiene Association.
Patient Advocacy and Care
As a passionate patient advocate, Donna has always placed the needs and well-being of her patients at the forefront of her practice. Her ability to create an exceptional patient experience, transforming a simple visit into a journey from "now to wow," is a hallmark of her approach. Donna’s empathetic nature, humor, and commitment to patient education have empowered countless patients to take control of their oral health and improve full-body wellness.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth
A true lifelong learner, Donna has continually sought to expand her knowledge and skills. Her pursuit of education and professional development continues and has not only enhanced her practice but has also benefited the broader dental community. Donna’s role as a hygiene consultant and practice coach has allowed her to share her expertise with colleagues (dentists and hygienists alike), fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Speaker, Writer, and Author
Donna’s passion for dental hygiene extends beyond the confines of her clinical practice. As a speaker and writer, she has shared her insights and experiences with a wider audience, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field. Donna’s publications and presentations have inspired and educated peers, reinforcing her status as an esteemed mentor and leader.
Key Opinion Leader and Respected Professional
Within the dental community, Donna is regarded as a key opinion leader, whose insights and perspectives are highly valued. Her contributions to professional organizations and advisory boards have shaped the direction of dental hygiene practice, ensuring that it remains patient-centered and evidence-based. Donna’s reputation as a respected professional is well-earned, and her influence continues to be felt within the industry.
Personal Life
Donna married her high school sweetheart, Mike. She reflects on how fortunate she is to have a husband who supports her unconditionally. Donna and Mike will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year. They have a penchant for fine dining.
Donna states, “These dinners are more than just culinary experiences; they are moments of connection and celebration, a chance to unwind and savor life’s pleasures.”
Running is one of Donna’s favorite pastimes. She recently completed a “bucket list” item: running every day for a year - 365 days!
Conclusion
In summary, the career of Donna Grzegorek, BS, RDH, PHDH, FADHA is a testament to the power of commitment, passion, and professionalism. Donna’s journey, more than 4 decades, is marked by numerous awards and accolades and has been driven by a deep desire to advocate for patients, promote lifelong learning, and elevate the standards of dental hygiene practice.
As a clinician, patient advocate, practice coach, speaker, writer, hygiene educator, student mentor, and key opinion leader, she has left an indelible mark on the profession, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike. Donna’s legacy is one of excellence and inspiration, a shining example of what it means to be truly dedicated to the art and science of dental hygiene. Donna feels blessed to have built a life so rich with personal and professional fulfillment.
Laura Soto
Front Desk and Chairside Assistant
A Dedicated Dental Professional
Laura Soto is a seasoned dental receptionist, insurance coordinator, and dental assistant with 10 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Cross-trained in handling multiple roles, Laura is an invaluable asset to Barrington Smiles, where she is a proud and dedicated team member.
Job Responsibilities
In her diverse role, Laura not only handles the day-to-day operations at the front desk, including insurance coordination, but also assists on the clinical side whenever necessary. Her adaptability and willingness to help wherever needed make her a key player in the fast-paced environment she loves. Laura is bilingual, and is an asset when assisting in communicating a clear message to our Spanish-only-speaking patients.
Personal Insight
Outside of her professional life, Laura is a mother to 3 beautiful children and the owner of a spunky Maltese dog. Her passion for helping people is evident in her work and in her personal life, where she strives to make a positive impact on those around her. Laura's commitment to her work and her team, combined with her compassionate nature, makes her a successful team member at Barrington Smiles.
Jennie Kubiak
Dental Assistant
An Experienced Addition to Our Dental Team
Jennie Kubiak is a dedicated dental assistant who prides herself on providing exceptional care to her patients. She works closely with Dr. Saad and Donna, assisting in various procedures and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Professional Background
Before transitioning into the field of dentistry, Jennie accumulated 29 years of experience as a veterinary technician. This extensive background has equipped her with invaluable skills that translate seamlessly into her role as a dental assistant at Barrington Smiles. The hands-on experience in managing animal care, the detailed nature of surgical assistance, and the compassion required in handling apprehensive patients and owners within veterinary medicine mirror many aspects of dental care. This extensive background has made Jennie an asset to our team.
Responsibilities
Jennie’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Maintaining a clean and sterile environment
- Assisting with all restorative procedures
- Helping with all surgical procedures
- Aiding the hygiene department
- Managing lab tasks and deadlines
- Supervising supplies and inventory
- Meeting deadlines
- Handling patient education
- Providing patient care
Jennie’s commitment to maintaining an excellent standard of care is evident in every aspect of her work.
Personal Life
Outside of her professional life, Jennie is an animal lover with 3 cats. She and her partner, Joe, have been together for 23 years. Jennie and Joe share a strong bond and enjoy spending time together with their animals. Jennie is proud to be a part of the Barrington Smiles team, using her skills and dedication to help create a welcoming and professional environment for all patients.
Amy Kang
Dental Assistant
From Childhood Contributions to Professional Aspirations
As a kid, Amy took great pride in being able to help her family, siblings, friends, and others. Her arliest memories are filled with moments of lending a helping hand, whether it was assisting her parents with household chores, tutoring her younger siblings, or simply offering support to friends in need. This inclination to help was not just a fleeting phase but became a cornerstone of her character and deeply influenced her worldview.
As she grew older, Amy came to live by the principle that those who can help others should do so. This belief, rooted in her childhood experiences, has only strengthened with time. It is her firm conviction that communities are stronger when everyone pitches in to help one another. The collective effort to support and uplift each other fosters a sense of unity and resilience that is unmatched.
Throughout her life, Amy has found joy and pride in tutoring, volunteering, and helping her family, peers, and the dental clinic where I regularly shadowed. Each of these experiences has enriched her life in unique ways. Helping at the dental clinic has been particularly rewarding, as it has provided Amy with insights into the profession she's passionate about and reaffirmed her desire to pursue dentistry.
Her choice to pursue dentistry is a direct reflection of her desire to give back to the community. Amy's mother has struggled with dental issues, which prevented her from enjoying cold foods. Both of her parents have contended with worse conditions. All of this deeply impacted her. The elderly members of Amy's church often grapple with daily tooth pain, highlighting the need for accessible and compassionate dental care.
Additionally, she has personally benefited from regular cleanings, the guidance of a good dentist, and the care of an orthodontist. These experiences have made her keenly aware of the importance of dental health and the privilege of having access to such resources.
Determined to make a difference, Amy attended the University of Michigan on the pre-dental track. Her academic journey has been driven by the aspiration to provide quality dental care and alleviate the suffering of those in her community. The education and training she received are not just preparations for a career but a means to fulfill a mission of service.
When she's not working or volunteering, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and indulging in her hobbies. Reading allows her to explore new worlds and ideas, drawing provides a creative outlet, and playing video games with her brother is a cherished bonding activity. These moments of leisure and connection are vital to Amy's well-being and help her maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, Amy's journey to dentistry has been shaped by a commitment to helping others and a deep-seated desire to give back to the community. From her childhood contributions to her professional aspirations, the principle of service has been the guiding force in Amy's life. As she moves forward, she's am excited to continue this path, making a positive impact and bringing smiles to those in need. Soon, she will be applying to dental school.
Nadia Barnard
Office Manager
A Story of Family, Passion, and Compassion
Family is at the center of Nadia's existence. She's blessed to be a wife to her incredible husband, Will, and a proud mom to their wonderful son, Avrey. Their Yorkie, Addison, is truly their forever baby and brings so much joy to their home. In herfree time, she loves soaking in moments with her family, getting lost in audiobooks, and unwinding with a good TV show. Every part of her life, at home and at work, is driven by love, care, and connection.
A Journey in Dentistry
Nadia's journey in dentistry began in 2013 as a dental assistant. After several wonderful years, she started dental hygiene school, but life had a different plan. She lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and faces daily challenges with chronic pain, which has taught her to slow down and truly cherish each moment. Though she couldn’t complete hygiene school, she shifted into front desk roles and later found her passion in insurance coordination.
Nadia has worked in dental and medical settings — from chiropractic offices to midwifery care — gaining a deep understanding of insurance that she now brings to Barrington Smiles as the office manager. Every part of her journey has led her to where she is meant to be. She's so grateful to be at Barrington Smiles, serving patients with care and compassion.
Passion for Dentistry
Nadia truly loves dentistry because she believes a beautiful smile can change lives! She's honored to help patients achieve that. Over the years, Nadia has worked in every dental specialty, including oral surgery and implants, and loves using that clinical knowledge to help guide patients toward the smile of their dreams.
Role as Office Manager at Barrington Smiles
At Barrington Smiles, Nadia is proud to serve as the office manager. It’s a position she holds with deep pride and responsibility. As a strong and compassionate leader, she strives to create a supportive, welcoming, and efficient environment for patients and the team. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels cared for, heard, and valued.
