About Us
About Friedstat Dental Associates
Our dental office adheres to a comprehensive philosophy that allows us to provide all the care you may need under one roof. We always prioritize our patients and look to be a beacon of health in the Skokie, IL area. As a modern dental provider, we are able to offer the very best care. We utilize the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care possible. In addition, we work hard to make sure that our office is a comfortable and welcoming environment for all of our patients. We believe that everyone deserves to have access to high-quality dental care, and we are committed to providing just that. If you are looking for a dental office that will put your needs first, look no further than ours. You can be confident that you will receive the very best care possible.
Everyone deserves to have a smile they feel confident about. Whether your teeth are in need of a cleaning, or you’re considering more extensive restorative dentistry, our team is here to help. We take an individualized approach to each of our patients, ensuring that you receive the care that’s right for you. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime. We believe that good dental care starts with education and prevention, and we’ll work with you to develop a customized plan for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.
Dr. Paul J Chaiken, DDS, FACD, FAGD
Dr. Paul Chaiken completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, before graduating with his dental degree from the Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1984. Continuing education in dentistry is a lifelong endeavor for Dr. Chaiken, and he has completed advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, TMJ therapy, root canal therapy, snoring and sleep apnea treatment, Invisalign® orthodontics, and sedation dentistry. Dr. Chaiken has also achieved fellowship awards through the American College of Dentists and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Chaiken and his beautiful wife of more than 20 years have two daughters. He loves spending time with his family, listening to live music and hanging out with friends. When he has the time, he also enjoys skiing, golfing and scuba diving. Dr. Chaiken and his family are all very interested in environmental issues and social justice, and they regularly volunteer with organizations dedicated to feeding the homeless. Dr. Chaiken is also on the board of directors for an organization with strong environmental and social justice initiatives. In addition, he volunteers dental services for underprivileged and handicapped individuals in the Chicago area.
Dr. Michael Levi, DMD
Dr. Levi is an active member of the Chicago Dental Society and stays up to date with the latest technological developments through the American Dental Association. Dr. Levi has taken extensive continuing education to provide the best care possible for our patients. Dr. Levi is highly skilled with emergency extractions, cosmetic restorations, implant surgery, deep cleanings, root canals, and clear aligner therapy. Dr. Levi is a comprehensive general dentist working closely with specialists to ensure a high quality of care that integrates all aspects of oral health such as oral cancer screenings, sleep apnea, gum disease, cavities, and malocclusion.
When Dr. Michael Levi is not at the office, he enjoys spending time with his two children Elijah, age 6, and Eleanor, age 4. Dr. Levi enjoys relaxing on the golf course and is an avid practitioner of yoga. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking for others and working on new recipes. Dr. Levi is rewarded by the joy and satisfaction of providing for others and is excited to meet new patients and inspire them to be more proactive in taking care of their teeth.
Nikita Thapaliya,
Dental Hygienist
Nikita was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and relocated to the US in 2013. Coming from a place with limited access to dental care, she witnessed that people typically seek dental treatment only when they experience severe pain or emergencies. In doing so, when they went to see a dentist, it would be too late. This is also a reason why Nikita’s interest in preventative dentistry developed. One of Nikita’s life goals is to volunteer in underserved communities, including her own, and educate people about the importance of oral health, which significantly impacts overall well-being.
Graduating with honors from Malcolm X College in 2023, she is deeply passionate about oral health and dedicated to educating individuals to promote healthy smiles. Seeing patients improve their oral hygiene and witnessing their smiles transform overtime is truly rewarding. Creating a worry-free environment and ensuring that every patient feels heard are essential aspects of her approach.
During her spare time, Nikita enjoys going out with family, reading books, watching movies, cooking, and trying new dishes. She is fluent in Nepali and English, and having grown up watching Bollywood movies, she is also proficient in Hindi and Urdu.
connie Urrutia,
Office Manager
Connie began her dental career 21 years ago, earning her Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from University De San Carlos in Guatemalan City. Connie then attended UIC. She spent 10 years as a dental assistant and dental hygienist, treating her patients like members of her own family. Eight years ago, Connie decided to continue her dental career as a liaison to excellent patient care and patient treatment. Connie provides exceptional leadership with over 8 years of managerial experience, known for consistently exceeding expectations and assisting patients with excellent dental care.
When she is not at the office, Connie enjoys time with her family, friends and her dog, Jameson. She enjoys working out, boxing, snowboarding, outdoor sports, is deeply passionate about nature and a volunteer at PAWS Chicago. Having grown up in Wrigleyville, she is a huge Cubs fan. Connie is a proud mother to her son Nathan, an Army Soldier, whom she considers her world.
Here, at Friedstat Dental Associates, we are happy to have her as part of our team.
Tserena Ayush,
Dental Assistant
Tserena has been in the dental field for 17 years and has been a great dental assistant at Dental Friedstat Dental Associates for four 4 years. She is very knowledgable and is also certified in coronal polishing, scaling and certified in applying sealants.
Tserena has been a terrific addition to the office. Tserena lives with her husband and daughter in Glenview. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books, stitching, doing yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
