Russell Pesavento, DDS, PhD

I was born and raised in Plainfield, IL and am a Plainfield High school (PHS) alumnus.   While attending PHS I was a member of the varsity football team, the National Honor Society  and several other organizations. I formed many relationships in this time and I am still in contact with several of my high school and childhood friends.  

After high school I attended the University of Evansville (UE) and received a bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry. I went on to receive a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana (UIUC) and received two additional years of training as a post-doctoral researcher in chemistry at Harvard University.  I am currently a researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and have published many scientific papers and patent applications related to development of drugs for dental use.   Although my research career is important to me, I truly seek and enjoy treating patients!  I received my DDS from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and am a member of several professional dental organizations.

I have long-standing connections to the dental practice of Dr. Ginger and the Carollo family.   I was formerly a dental patient of her uncle Dr. “Jack” Carollo as well as her brother, Dr. Gary Carollo. I was in contact with Dr. Ginger while I was a dental student and she welcomed me aboard to her staff after leaving the University of Iowa.  Both Dr. Ginger and her staff have welcomed me with open arms and have been instrumental in helping me develop a strong patient base that has been truly remarkable to work with.

My philosophy on dental patient care is in line with that of Dr. Ginger and her staff.  I have always put the patient’s needs first and nothing is more rewarding than delivering a clinical result that leaves the patient extremely satisfied, even leaving with tears of joy, on occasion.  I am devoted to my work as a dentist and truly enjoy the patient-doctor interaction.  I will often tell stories while the patient is the chair – hopefully to the patient’s amusement!

In my free time, I  enjoy working out with weights and boxing at Rudy’s gym in Joliet.  One of my favorite things is hunting and fishing with my dad who was born and raised in Lockport, IL. I also raise aquarium fish and currently have a southern painted turtle (Copernicus) to add to my enjoyment.   Above all, spending time with close friends and family is the highest priority to me – and I prefer to be outside while doing it!

EDUCATION:

*University of Evansville, IN.  (BS in biology/chemistry) 
*University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL. (Ph.D. Chemistry)
*Harvard University, MA. 
       (Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Chemistry)
*University of Iowa, IA. (DDS)                                         

DENTAL HONORS:

*Postdoctoral Fellow & Research Assistant Professor 1st place  (UIC)
*Dr. Richard Nelson Scholarship Award (Iowa)
*Pierre Fauchard Academy Award   (Iowa)
*Academy of Dental Materials Award  (Iowa)
*Basic Science Post-Doctoral/Graduate Dental Specialty Award
       (1st place) (Iowa)
*Max Smith Oral Presentation Pre-Doctoral Competition
       (1st place) (Iowa)
*Carl Svare Pre-Doctoral Research Award (Iowa)

MEMBERSHIPS:

*American Dental Association
*Academy of General Dentistry
*International Association of Dental Research
*Chicago Dental Society (westside branch)
*American Chemical Society