On Oct. 2 a crowd of well-wishers joined City and Chamber of Commerce officials for the grand opening of Dental Art Specialists, husband-and-wife team Dr. Jazmine Daye Dillard and Dr. Melvin Dillard III, in Evanston Plaza.
Dr. Jazmine Dillard – “Dr. Jazmine” around the office – is a 2002 graduate of Evanston Township High School, where she served as president of the student council. With a scholarship from the Chessmen Club, she attended Xavier University of Louisiana and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). In addition, Dr. Jazmine was awarded a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from her studies in the Pediatric Dentistry Post Graduate Residency Program at UIC.
“Pediatric dentistry allows me the opportunity to foster lasting relationships with each child and parent I meet and deliver quality care that is tailored specifically for the patient,” she said. Parents should take their children to a dentist “as soon as the first baby tooth appears, or by age 1,” she said.
Dental Art Specialists offers a variety of orthodontic treatment options for adolescent and adult patients, led by Dr. Melvin Dillard, a licensed orthodontist.
“Creating magnificent smiles is not only my job, but also my passion,” said Dr. Melvin. He said that, while a beautiful smile may be the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment, there is more to be gained. Correcting misaligned teeth, as well as a patient’s bite, not only leads to better oral health, but also builds confidence and self-esteem, he said.
At the Oct. 2 ceremony, Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl welcomed the business to Evanston and praised Dr. Jazmine’s background and achievements. “It’s what we like to see – a student graduating from ETHS and coming back to open a business.”
“We are excited to be a part of Evansotn. To come back is a dream of Jazmine’s,” said Dr. Melvin.
“I am a proud native of Evanston and it gives me great pleasure to work in the community that was so instrumental in making me the doctor I am today,” said Dr. Jazmine.
Second Ward Alderman Peter Braithwaite said, “I’d like to welcome Dr. Dillard back to the Evanston community. It’s an awesome story.”