About Us

With years of experience,
you can trust in us.

Welcome to our office!

When visiting Oakbrook Endodontic Associates, Associates for Endodontics, and Endodontic Specialists of Illinois, each of our highly skilled Endodontists will discuss the best treatment options for their patient’s needs, in order to improve proper oral health. We feel this will lead to a more trusting doctor/patient relationship and, for many people, relieve the stress about seeing an Endodontist. Our doctors strive to provide high quality endodontic services to all of their patients with the highest standard of professional care, clinical excellence along with utilization of advanced technology.

We take pride in providing you with a comfortable office experience where our qualified staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Our three offices are conveniently located in Oak Brook, Naperville and Plainfield.

We invite you to call any of our offices with questions or to request an appointment.

You are not alone in your pain
Toothaches can be scary and debilitating. Finding someone you trust can be overwhelming. We are here to make the process easier. Our team of Doctors:
  • Has over 60 years of experience
  • Are currently part of over 20 dental societies
  • Service 3 convenient locations

Meet Our Doctors

James F. Gianakakis, D.D.S, M.S.

Dr. James Gianakakis attended Northwestern University Dental School where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1988, and his Certificate in Endodontics and Master of Science Degree in 1990. At Northwestern, he received the American Academy of Oral Medicine Award and became a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. After graduation, Dr. Gianakakis served as a member of the Endodontic Faculty at Northwestern University and has been in private practice since 1990. He is currently an adjunct clinical professor at Midwestern University.

 

Dr. Gianakakis was inducted into the International College of Dentists (ICD) in 2000. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, American Association of Endodontics, Illinois Association of Endodontics, Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club and Hellenic American Dental Society.

Outside the office, Dr. Gianakakis enjoys spending time with his family.

Jeffrey H. Hembrough, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Jeffrey Hembrough received his dental degree graduating cum laude from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1986. During his studies, he was the recipient of the Psi Omega Scholarship and the Microbiology Immunology Award. He was inducted in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society in 1986.

Dr. Hembrough served in the United States Air Force from 1986 – 1989 where he completed a general practice residency. Upon completion, he was presented with the Distinguished Graduate Award. In 1989, he returned to Loyola University School of Dentistry and completed his residency in the specialty of Endodontics. He served as a member of the Endodontic Faculty at Loyola and has been in private practice since 1991.

Dr. Hembrough is a member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, American Association of Endodontists, Illinois Association of Endodontists and the Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontist Study Club.

Dr. Hembrough resides in Naperville with his wife of 25+ years.

Mark S. Palo, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Mark Palo graduated in 1991 from Miami University in Oxford, OH with a degree in Biology. He graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1995. That same year, he began a residency in Endodontics at Ohio State University. During his residency, Dr. Palo earned his masters degree, completing his thesis on dental anesthetics. He entered into private practice in 1997.

Dr. Palo is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, Illinois Association of Endodontists, Chicago Dental Society and the Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club. Dr. Palo was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society in 1996.

Dr. Palo resides in Hinsdale. During his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time  with his wife and six children.

Vince A. Penesis, D.D.S.

Dr. Vince Penesis has been practicing endodontics for over 20 years. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, his passion for the field of endodontics is unwavering. Dr. Penesis is committed to providing his patients with the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques. He utilizes three-dimensional imaging and microscopy to deliver the best endodontic treatment possible, surgical and non-surgical. 

Dr. Penesis graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University of Chicago, in 1995, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During his undergraduate studies, he worked as a microbiology/immunology technologist and phlebotomist at Central DuPage Hospital. He graduated first in his class from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 2002.
While at UIC, Dr. Penesis received many awards including: the W. Howard Kubacki Award, for superior clinical excellence; the American Association of Endodontist Achievement Award; Luz Bondoc Award, for highest score on Part I and II of the national board examinations; and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter Achievement Award, for highest ranking in graduating class. He was also inducted in the OKU National Dental Honor Society and completed his two-year post-doctoral residency in the specialty of endodontics in 2004.

Dr. Penesis is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, Illinois State Dental Society, Illinois Association of Endodontists, the Chicago Dental Society, Hellenic Dental Society, Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club.

Dr. Penesis lives in the northwestern suburbs with his wife, Kelly. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids; Alexia and Evan, traveling, scuba diving, gardening and, lately, playing pickleball.

Benjamin J. Schwabe, D.D.S.

Dr. Benjamin Schwabe completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin. He then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, with honors, from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Upon completion of dental school, Dr. Schwabe was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy where he completed one year of advanced dental training at Naval Station Great Lakes. He then served as a general dentist for two years aboard the USS OAK HILL (LSD-51) and for two additional years at Naval Air Station Oceana. After his service commitment, he pursued his specialty training in endodontics at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Throughout his residency, Dr. Schwabe has received advanced training in CBCT technology and implementation and has developed clinical expertise in microsurgical and laser assisted endodontics.

Dr. Schwabe enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their two sons. His interests include hiking, woodworking, and cooking. He is constantly learning and is on a never-ending quest to make the perfect pizza.

Dr. Jordan Simonovich

Joining our team soon!

Dr. Jordan Simonovich is originally from Rockford, Illinois. He graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He then went on to Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Simonovich worked in private practice as a general dentist in the Chicagoland area before attending the University of Michigan (Go blue!) to complete specialty training in Endodontics. During his residency at Michigan, Dr. Simonovich earned a Master degree in Science conducting an interdisciplinary research study examining cone-beam computed tomographic images in endodontics. As a published author, Dr. Simonovich is passionate about utilizing the most current research to stay up to date on best practices within the profession. As a clinician, Dr. Simonovich prioritizes patient-centered care, employing modern technology to optimize long-term outcomes. He is dedicated to ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Simonovich is a member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, American Association of Endodontists, and Illinois Association of Endodontists. Outside the office, Dr. Simonovich enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, running, and is an avid Chicago sports fan.

Oakbrook
Endodontic
Team