Meet Dr. Robert L. Thomas
Being an orthodontist has been very fulfilling. I’ve met many amazing families, and have seen thousands of children grow to adulthood. Knowing I have contributed to so many lives is an incredible feeling. Often when I’m in a social setting, and someone finds out I’m an orthodontist, they will ask my opinion on their, or their children's, teeth. They apologize for the bother, but I can honestly tell them it’s never a bother, I really love what I do.
Education and Continuing Education
I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and received a Bachelors Degree in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution. Following a year of graduate school at Southern Illinois University, I attended the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago. After working in a genetics research lab in college, I knew that I wanted to spend my life working with people, and helping them directly, instead of test tubes. My father is an orthodontist, and while I was free to choose my own path in life, I was drawn to orthodontics. I knew it would require a lot of studying and hard work in order to be able to be accepted into orthodontic residency. I graduated from dental school with honors in 1999.
I was accepted into the University of Illinois College of Dentistry Orthodontic Residency program, which I completed in 2002. Along with the orthodontic accreditation certificate, I earned a post-doctoral Master’s Degree in Oral Biology.
I am certified by the North East Regional Board to practice both dentistry, and as an orthodontic specialist. I am licensed by the State of Illinois as both a dentist and orthodontist.
While at University of Illinois College of Dentistry, during both dental school, and during orthodontic residency, I received numerous grants and awards for dental research. I received awards from the National Institute of Health, the University of Illinois, the Academy of Dental Materials, Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental fraternity, the American Association of Orthodontics, and the Odontographic society. My research has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics, and the Journal of Dental Research.
I’ve never stopped advancing my education in orthodontics and consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I regularly attend continuing education courses in order to stay on the cutting-edge of technology, learn new techniques, and improve our patient experience.
In the Office
It would be impossible to deliver quality orthodontics on my own. To do it well requires a special kind of team, one that has the ability to work with both adults and children, deliver quality care, and work well with each other. I am blessed to have the best team, which allows me to focus all my energy on the most important aspect of our office - our patients!
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Midwest Society of Orthodontists
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Society
- Chicago Dental Society
Outside the Office
My wife and I have been together over 30 years. We live in Naperville, and have two awesome kids. Both are in college majoring in Biology – Pre-Dental. When I’m not in the office, I’m a technology enthusiast, occasional fisherman, and gamer.
