Your Dental Team at Palos Pediatric Dentistry

Richard Facko, DDS, MS

Meet Dr. Richard Facko: Your Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Richard Facko, DDS, is the founder and Pediatric Dentist at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC. Since founding the practice in 2013, I have been dedicated to providing a high level of care for the families in my hometown. 

I grew up in Palos Heights, went to Palos 128 and Marist, and came back here to build my practice and raise my family. When I see patients in the office, I'm not seeing strangers; I'm seeing my neighbors, my kids' classmates, people I run into at the grocery store. That matters to me, and I think it shows up in the way we practice.

I fell in love with pediatric dentistry during my residency. What drew me in was the long game; you meet a child when they're one year old, and if you do your job right, you give them a foundation that lasts their whole life. Not just healthy teeth, but a relationship with dental care that isn't defined by fear. That's what I'm trying to build with every kid who comes through our door.

My approach is pretty simple: go at the child's pace, keep parents in the room and in the conversation, and never push treatment further than a child is ready for. I'd rather take three visits to get something done comfortably than one visit that leaves a kid dreading the dentist for the next ten years. Avoiding sedation whenever possible isn't just a clinical preference; it's a philosophy about what a positive dental experience should feel like.

My youngest daughter, Annie, was born with Down syndrome, and she's changed the way I see everything, including how I practice. Caring for kids with special needs has always been something I've taken seriously, but having Annie in my life made it personal in a way I didn't expect. I understand what it means to navigate systems that weren't designed with your child in mind, and I've worked hard to make sure our practice is genuinely set up for families who need a little more from us.

Outside the office, I serve on the Board of Education for Palos 128 and on the Board of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists. I coach youth hockey for three of my kids' teams, and I try hard to stay healthy so I can keep up with all four of them for a long time.

Fun Facts: Dr. Facko has ridden his bike across Iowa three times and hopes to ride with his children next summer. He also maintains a large garden where he grows fresh fruits and vegetables.

Education and Credentials

• Undergraduate: Indiana University, BA in Biochemistry
• Dental School & Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago — DDS, MS, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
• Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)
• Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
• Founder, Palos Pediatric Dentistry (2013)

Brittany Bauer, DMD, MS

Pediatric Dentist

I grew up watching my dad practice general dentistry, so the dental world was never unfamiliar to me. But I didn't assume I'd follow that path; I wanted to find my own reason to be here. Once I started working with kids during training, I stopped looking. There's something about this age group that just clicked, and I haven't looked back since.

A lot of kids come in nervous, and honestly, that makes sense. My job is to change that, one visit at a time. I use a lot of age-appropriate language, I go slowly, and I celebrate the small wins. When a kid who was terrified at their first appointment walks out proud of themselves six months later, that's the whole reason I do this.

When I'm not in the office, I'm usually chasing the next adventure with my husband. We travel for scuba diving and snowboarding whenever we can. I'm also an avid angler, which might surprise people. Annual trips to Lake Erie for walleye, deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys, it requires a lot of patience, which I'd like to think carries over into my work. At home, I decompress with a good book and my two cats, Baggy and Squeaky. And if you catch me doing a Stitch impression for a nervous patient, just know it usually works.

Education and Credentials

• Undergraduate & Dental School: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Pediatric Dental Residency: Indiana University / Riley Hospital for Children
• Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)
• Joined Palos Pediatric Dentistry (2022)

Dr. Elizabeth Asdell, DDS, MS

Pediatric Dentist

What drew me to pediatric dentistry was the opportunity to shape how kids experience dental care from the very beginning. A child who has a positive, comfortable visit early on is so much more likely to grow up without anxiety around the dentist, and that matters for their health for the rest of their life. That's the work I want to do.

I try to make every child feel genuinely at ease, not just tolerated, but actually comfortable and cared for. That means taking the time to connect with them as a person, not just as a patient. When kids feel seen and safe, the clinical part of the visit takes care of itself. Building that trust early is everything.

Outside the office, I'm most at home at our lake house with my family; it's where everyone slows down and actually gets to be together. I'm a devoted IU fan, which means I spend a fair amount of time watching Hoosier sporting events, whether I should be doing other things or not. I also love movies, time with friends, and my Portuguese Water Dog, who has strong opinions about the lake house and fully supports the arrangement.

Education and Credentials

• Undergraduate & Dental School: Indiana University
• Pediatric Dental Residency: Riley Hospital for Children
• Joined Palos Pediatric Dentistry (2025)

Dena

Finance

Dena joined our team in 2022.  She was born and raised in Blue Island and is married to her husband Rich.   She is a proud mother to a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and also a Pediatric Dentist who you might just see around the office! :)  She has 7 grandchildren who she loves to spend time with doing fun activities, especially baking!  Dena’s favorite thing to do when she is not working is to go to concerts with her husband and travel.  Dena works hard every day to make sure the office runs efficiently and always has the answer to any problem that arises during the workday.    

Tina

Insurance Coordinator

Tina joined our team in 2018 and has been our go to for everything insurance!  She was born and raised in Chicago Ridge and attended Moraine Valley Community College.  She is married to her husband Steve and they have three children; Jeremy, Abby and Olivia who keep them very busy!  They also have many animals including a Golden Retriever named Violet, 2 cats named Lavender and Snuggles, 3 Guinea Pigs and 1 Hamster.  When she is not working, she enjoys making memories with her kids and loving everything that life has to offer.   Tina is our insurance master and always is there to help parents navigate the complicated world of insurance!   

Lynda

Dental Hygienist

Lynda joined our team as a Dental Hygienist in 2021.  She was born and raised in Michigan and went to Kalamazoo Valley Community College where she got her Associates Degree in Science.  Lynda has been married for 20 years and has a step-son.   Some of Lynda’s favorite things to do are: spending time with her husband, family and friends.  She loves shopping and exercising with her girlfriends.   Lynda does a fantastic job at making our patients feel comfortable, she is always laughing at herself and making others laugh as well.  You can always find a smile on her face!