Mark Kaschube, the Magic Dentist
The Magic Dentist
Dr. Mark Kaschube is an experienced general dentist, the founder of Grand Dental Associates, and believe it or not, a professional magician. Performing has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. Born and raised in the Midwest, he embraced his local roots, attending Holy Ghost grammar school and Marist High School. When it came time for higher education, Loyola University in Chicago and Loyola Dental School were his choices.

“Excellence is never an accident; it’s the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and vision." Dr. Mark continues to gain knowledge by exceeding the annual requirement for continuing education and staying active in professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Illinois State Dental Society, CEREC Study Club, and The International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Service is a way of life…
A natural extrovert and performer, Mark found his niche in life at an early age. He was active in school, church, community, and scouting activities where he earned the honor of Eagle Scout. To this day, he’s still extremely active in community service projects. He regularly puts on magic shows at preschools, participates in parades, and he’s the driving force behind the annual Halloween Magic Show, seen by thousands.

Keeping Magic Alive…
Dr. Kaschube’s love of magic isn’t limited to his patients and local community. For ten years, he helped promote National Children’s Health Month by appearing with Bozo the Clown on WGN-TV’s syndicated television show “Bozo’s Circus.” He’s also performed in Las Vegas and Europe. Dr. Mark is always looking for a way to put a little “magic” in your smile!

Dr. Steve Napier
Passionate
Dr. Steve Napier has two passions, music and dentistry. His music career began with guitar lessons at an early age and led to a high school band. When he realized he wasn’t going to be a rock star, he turned his attention to dentistry. An avid music buff who continues to play guitar with multiple acts, he continues to satisfy his need to appear before an audience by speaking and performing magic tricks at local pre-schools and by participating in the annual Halloween show the group puts on for thousands of people in the surrounding communities.

Committed
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Dr. Napier attends continuing education courses in excess of the annual required amount. He feels one of the best ways he can serve his patients is to stay current with all of the latest technology, techniques, and materials. He maintains active memberships with the American Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Illinois Dental Society, and the CEREC Study Club. Dr. Steve likes being part of a progressive group practice that offers general and specialty care to patients of all ages, in state-of-the-art facilities.

Dedicated
Service is not just a vocation; it’s a way of life. Dr. Napier is active in community, church, school, and sporting events. For seven years, Dr. Steve coached and served on the board for the Leyden Bears football program, and recently he started coaching soccer, girls’ softball, and girls’ basketball. He approaches everything he does with enthusiasm, which exemplifies his personal philosophy: “It can be done!”

Joseph R. Balice, D.D.S.
A Strong Foundation…
Dr. Balice feels passionately about learning and new technology. He graduated from Loyola Dental School in 1989, and then completed a two year residency program at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He strives to expand his knowledge of new materials and techniques through continuing education and attends courses beyond the annual requirement.

Committed to Excellence…
Dr. Balice believes staying active in professional organizations gives him a chance to share ideas with colleagues and keep current on new developments in dentistry. His affiliations include the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

A Local Boy…
Growing up on the northwest side of Chicago helps explain why Dr. Joe is a Cubs fan and a hockey enthusiast. Dr. Joe and his wife Caterina live in the suburbs with their three children. He loves photography and is involved with a variety of kids’ activities and sports.

Dr. Curtis E. Lang
Curtis E. Lang DDS, MAGD has been practicing dentistry in Sycamore since 1976 at the Courtview Dental Center, now Courtview Family Dentistry.

Education
Curt Lang graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in 1976. He has always enjoyed continuing education since leaving dental school. He has earned his Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry with his wide variety of education classes. He was a founding member of the Quad City Association for the Study of Orthodontics and has presented table clinics on dentistry at the annual Chicago Dental Society meeting.

Community Service
Dr. Lang has always been involved in the Sycamore community. He has served as President of the local Rotary Club, President of the Sycamore School Board, a member of the Executive committee of the Fox Valley Boy Scout Council, coached community baseball and soccer for many years, and served in many positions in his Church.

Dentistry
He looks forward to continuing to care for his many friends dental needs and assuring their dental health. Working with Dr Napier and Dr Crown to provide quality dental care for our family of patients will continue to be an honor.

Dr. Lars Johnson
Raised in Schaumburg, Illinois, Dr. Johnson attended Schaumburg High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He then attended the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry where he received his DDS degree.

Dr. Lars follows a comprehensive treatment philosophy. He takes pride in spending quality time with each of his patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their treatment. His interests include snowboarding, golf, fitness, and ice hockey.

Dr. Megan Davis
Committed to compassionate, excellent patient care, Dr. Megan Davis joined Farnsworth Dental Group from a family of four generations of dentists. She studied interpersonal communication at Wheaton College and completed her degree in dentistry at Indiana University. Dr. Davis is an Illinois board certified, licensed practitioner in general dentistry and member of the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Association, and American Dental Association. Dr. Davis enjoys all areas of dentistry, particularly cosmetic work, children's dentistry, and building relationships with patients.
Passionate about dental care for everyone, Dr. Davis has traveled multiple times to the Amazon jungle villages of Peru, to Belize, and to Haiti to provide dental care to area villagers. In her free time, Dr. Davis likes outdoor sports, volunteer work, and creating many types of art.

Dr. Ward Crown
Dr. J Ward Crown practices and lives in Sycamore, Illinois. He came to Sycamore to work with Dr. Lang in 2004 and he and his family have become involved in the Sycamore community. He graduated from the Southern Illinois School of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1994. Dr crown has been working in dentistry since 1994 and enjoys all aspects of dentistry. He continues to take continuing education classes to become aware of the latest dental techniques and dental materials that provide the best possible service to his patients.

B. Bruce Abdullah, DDS, MS
Periodontics & Implants
Dr. Bruce Abdullah earned his dental degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry. He received his Certificate in Periodontics and Masters Degree in Science from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1989.

He is currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontics in Post Graduate Periodontics at the University of Illinois and has been teaching for the last 16 years. Dr. Abdullah both performs and teaches the latest techniques in implant and periodontal surgery. Furthermore, he is responsible for instructing students and residents on the placement of implants and advancements in the field of implant surgery. Dr. Abdullah is fortunate to have lectured both nationally and internationally on a broad range of topics, including periodontal plastic surgery and enhancing aesthetic outcomes in cosmetic restorative dentistry.

In 1987, Dr. Abdullah became one of the very first periodontists to be trained in the field of implant osseointergration by the esteemed Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark. Currently, he is among only a small percentage of periodontists throughout the world that has attained the qualifications necessary to become a Diplomate of The American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Abdullah was named by his peers to the list of "The Best Dentists in the United States". He is one of 7,119 Dentists chosen from the 150,000 actively practicing Dentists in the United States to be listed on www.bestofus.com.

Additionally, the Consumers' Research Council of America announced the inclusion of Dr. Abdullah to the publication "Guide to America's Top Dentists". The selection process is based on a point value system that awards points for education, years in practice, affiliations with professional associations and board certifications.

Dr. Abdullah has also been included in "Strathmore's Who's Who". Based on one's position and lifetime of accomplishments, Strathmore honors professional men and women in all academic areas and professions. Inclusion is limited to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their occupation, industry, or profession.

Dr. Leslie Clevenger
Dr. Leslie Clevenger graduated summa cum laude from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then continued her education at Indiana University School of Dentistry where she was recognized with a scholarship for excellence in oral health diagnosis and earned her degree in dentistry.
Dr. Leslie is passionate about learning and regularly attends continuing education courses to advance her skills. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry.

As a general dentist, she understands the impact a great smile can make in your personal and professional life. She is committed to providing quality dentistry and strives to make each visit a positive experience for her patients. When she is not practicing dentistry, she enjoys running, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Jeffrey A. Nickas, DDS
Dr. Nickas received his bachelors degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and completed his dental schooling at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he received the Dr. Lina K. Tharp award for compassion in providing care to his patients. He continues his education to this day, regularly attending courses at the Cosmedent Center for Esthetic Excellence. He has also received further training in endodontics, periodontics, and with the Dawson Academy for Dental Continuing Education. Dr. Nickas has also taken courses in the area of dental implantology, receiving training in both the placement and restoration of dental implants. He is certified both in Lumineers and Invisalign, and recognizes that a true doctor never stops being a student.

Dr. Nickas’ practice philosophy centers on patient comfort and education. “Coming from a dental-phobic family, I realize that many patients have had difficult experiences in the past. I strive to create a relaxing atmosphere, and will listen to your concerns.” He believes in a patient-centered method, and will take the time to explore your treatment options with you.

“I feel that my staff is an extension of me. If I could do it all, I would, but it takes a team to properly treat our patients. I would not be able to do my best work without the extraordinary effort of my assistants and staff.”

“One of the reasons I chose to pursue dentistry is that it allows me to create lasting relationships with my patients. I am a wholehearted Chicagoan, live music aficionado, and sports fan who always enjoys meeting patients with unique tastes. Oftentimes, I end up learning as much from you as you from me.

Dr. Joe Nierzwicki
Dr. Joe Nierzwicki, a native of Chicago’s northwest side, attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL where he excelled both in and out of the classroom. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA as a three-sport student-athlete, Dr. Joe decided to accept a soccer scholarship to Loyola University Chicago where he continued to pursue his passion for academics and athletics. Graduating Magna Cum Laude with Biology Honors, Dr. Joe moved out to Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned his DDS from Creighton University School of Dentistry.

As a dentist, Dr. Joe enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and loves getting to know more about his patients. Dr. Joe is also a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society, the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society. Having finished two Chicago marathons, Dr. Joe is an avid runner. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his family and cheering on his two favorite Chicago sports teams, the Bears and the White Sox.

Dr. Maureen Leake
Dr. Maureen Leake did her undergraduate study at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then spent a year living and working in Dublin, Ireland, and traveled throughout Europe before returning for her dental education. Dr. Leake completed dental school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She now regularly attends continuing education courses in order to learn the newest techniques and materials available in dentistry today.

Dr. Leake believes that great communication leads to a positive dental experience. She takes time to discuss treatment in detail, ensuring each patient is aware of their needs and can make their own informed decision regarding care. Dr. Leake focuses on providing quality dental work that is minimally invasive.

Outside of work, Dr. Leake enjoys travelling, playing volleyball and softball, and spending time with her family.