Meet the team
The doctors and staff at Smilin Dental are highly-trained, well-educated, and caring individuals, who are strongly committed to providing genuine, comprehensive care. We partner with our patients to help them achieve their ideal dental health.
Steven J. Bacalar, D.M.D.
Dentist
Dr. Bacalar was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Rush University Medical Center, and Doctor of Dental Medicine from the progressive College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University in Arizona. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Dental Association, as well as active in numerous study clubs. He is passionate about continuing education and provides his patients with personalized, comprehensive and comfortable dental care. Dr. Bacalar lives in Northbrook with his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Mira. He is an avid golfer, and enjoys cooking, traveling and cheering on his beloved Cubs and Blackhawks.
Kenneth N. Milin, D.D.S.
Dentist
Dr. Milin grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana and the University of Illinois School of Dentistry, Chicago. He completed a general practice residency at the University of Chicago and has been practicing in Winnetka since 1983. Dr. Milin has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education focusing on Cosmetics and Implant Dentistry. He enjoys lecturing to the residents at Illinois Masonic hospital and to various study clubs. Dr. Milin is married to Nicki and has two children, Samantha and James, and one granddaughter Fallon. Dr. Milin is passionate about providing the highest level of personalized patient care. He feels lucky to have the opportunity to provide dental services that improves the quality of life for each of his patients.
Diana S.
Hygienist
Diana started in dentistry in 1980, and has been with our practice since 2000. Her passion is caring for her patients and she strives to improve the quality of her patients' lives through excellent oral care. Diana lives in Chicago with her husband Tom and rescue dog, Ben. She has three grown children, one daughter-in-law, and two incredible grandchildren. Diana works out with a trainer several times a week in order to maintain her 75 lbs. weight loss - and feel awesome! Diana earned her degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Tamara P.
Hygienist
Tamara grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and graduated from Loyola University’s Dental Hygiene program over 25 years ago. Tamara is a people person and develops and nurtures relationships with her patients through education and humor (fun fact: she trained at Second City!). Tamara strives to help her patients obtain and maintain healthy smiles for life. In her free time, Tamara likes to garden, bake and see live theatre performances with her two daughters and husband.
Ilyse B.
Hygienist
Ilyse started her career as a dental assistant and has worked as a dental hygienist for 25 years. She builds trusting relationships with her patients and helps them to achieve dental goals. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado and Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene from Harper College. She lives in Deerfield with her husband and large extended family, and is the proud mom to a son and daughter. She is an avid athlete who participates in triathlon and running events, and volunteers with the Dare2tri, GLASA and CBO organizations.
Ewa C.
Dental assistant
Ewa grew up in Poland. She came to Chicago in 1993 and lived in the city until 2009 when she moved to Glenview with her family. Moving to Glenview motivated her to find a job closer to this area. She has been with Dr. Milin and Associates since that time. She has been in the field of dentistry since 1995 and has been very happy in this profession. She is happily married and has two beautiful daughters. In her free time she enjoys organizing and decorating.
Karin N.
Dental assistant
Karin has been in the dental field for more than 25 years. She grew up in Chicago and lived in Florida and Texas before relocating back to her roots. She is high-energy with a natural love of people. Karin takes pride in her job and loves making patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. She has an adventurous spirit and when the outdoors calls, she answers. Some of her hobbies include kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Karin loves to cook and feed people. She spends as much quality time with her older brother as she can. You will often hear Karin singing to the office music.
Katie S.
Patient Support Specialist
Katie grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and has been in the dental field for over five years. She enjoys helping patients coordinate treatment and making people feel at ease. She studied Sociology at Northeastern Illinois University for her undergrad education and Health Advocacy at Sarah Lawrence College for post-grad. Katie spends some of her free time in the gym or yoga studio. She is a great baker and loves to travel, and take long walks with her dog, Benny.
What to expect as a new patient
At your initial examination we take a comprehensive medical and dental history, conduct an evaluation of the mouth tissues and how your teeth function together, take necessary x-rays and appropriate digital photos, and discuss any cosmetic concerns. We then create a treatment plan through thoughtful analysis and collaboration.
Ranked top 40 dentist
Dr. Bacalar and Dr. Milin are proud to receive yearly recognition of their hard work and dedication to exceptional dentistry and patient care. They have been nominated and voted by their industry peers and patients, as well as recognized by local magazines, newspapers and consumer’s checkbook.