Meet The Team

Dr. Wittmus received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Northwestern University in 1991. He also received a Bachelors degree in Zoology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1987. Prior to opening his general practice in 1993, Dr. Wittmus served as the Oral Surgery resident at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1995 Dr. Wittmus received a Fellowship with the Academy of Dentistry International. In 2007 he received the Gordon Christensen Fellowship. Dr. Wittmus was former chairman of the peer review committee for the Chicago Dental Society.

Dr. Calderon graduated with Dr. Wittmus from Northwestern University Dental school, class of 1991. Dr. Calderon lives with her family in Lincolnshire.

Chris received a Bachelor in biology in 1998 from Saint Xavier University and her dental hygiene certificate from Prairie State College in 2001. Before becoming a dental hygienist, she worked as a dental assistant and held the position of territory manager for Warner-Lambert Pharmaceuticals.  Chris’ post-graduate certifications include dental anesthesia, nitrous oxide delivery and proficiency in laser therapy. She is passionate about her profession and strives for excellence by keeping herself current with all dental innovations and medical-dental research.

Chris likes to bake and spoils the office with her yummy baked goodies!

My name is Lauren.  I have worked with Dr. Wittmus for over 20 years. Our experience working together makes us unique in the way that we perform dental procedures efficiently and of course without pain. I sympathize greatly with patients who have dental anxiety since I myself suffer from general anxiety. I do all that I can to make our patients feel comfortable before and during their dental appointments. I am very aware of infection control procedures and each procedure I set up for as if I am setting up to be the patient treated. I live in Edison Park with my husband of 19 years and my three wonderful daughters. I am grateful for the years I’ve spent with Dr. Wittmus and our staff and look forward to many more.

Hi everyone! My name is Annie and I live in the neighborhood with my husband, our kids, and dog Cooper.

My favorite part about dentistry is when we can convert patients with dental anxiety (that haven’t been to the dentist in years) to patients that we see routinely! Additionally, I love when patients can “spit back” (no pun intended) dental information that we try so hard to teach! 

My most used dental products are the Oral-B Genius electric toothbrush, Sensodyne toothpaste (the fresh mint flavor is the best, nice and minty!), Listerine Ultraclean floss, and my water flosser! 

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica. I am a pre-dental student studying Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I currently live in Chicago, but I grew up in Arlington Heights. I’ve been working with Dr. Wittmus since April 2024, and he’s been teaching me so much about the dental field. I love gaining experience and working with the rest of the team to help me grow and learn! I’m excited to continue this journey before heading off to dental school.

Hi, my name is Emily and I am the newest member of the team! My mom has worked with Dr. Wittmus for over 20 years and I am following in her footsteps! In October 2022, I began training at Grateful Dental and I’ve grown deeply invested into dental assisting. Dr. Wittmus and the rest of the Grateful Dental team have been the best teachers and I’ve learned a lot working here. I plan to keep assisting while also continuing to find my career path.

Hi! My name is Sarah. I’ve been working at Grateful Dental since August of 2020. I’ve learned a lot and made many memories while working here. My mom, Lauren, has been working with Dr. Wittmus since before I was born, so working with my mom (and sister) has been great. I am currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Northeastern Illinois University. I have been playing the flute for about 12 years now and can’t wait to share my love of music with my future students.