Jay W Zvolanek, DDS, FAGD

My husband and I are both patients, who were recommended to him from another patient, and have recommended (and continue to recommend) him to future patients. We always get great appointments. The receptionists know us by name and Dr. Z actually remembers conversations we’ve had previously. He is a really great dentist, breaking down several misconceptions I’ve had about oral health. I love that he does the cleanings himself and doesn’t leave that to a higenest or someone else. If we ever move, I would be very tempted to make the trip back every 6 months to keep him. I agree with what the previous reviewer says about him being a curmudgeon, but I grew up with a houseful of curmudgeons so that’s right up my alley. He has a fantastically direct, yet sarcastic wit that is oddly comforting when he has his hands in your mouth. Keep up the good work Dr. Z.

I was wonderfully amazed at the skills of Dr. Jay, when I came in to have a broken tooth repaired: I have been to a lot of dentists, due to moving throughout my lifetime, but I have never had a crown fit so beautifully, and be spaced so perfectly, the very first time it went in! I was new to the state and area, and feel so fortunate to have my work done here for that problem, and now, all my regular dental care is with Dr. Jay.
How can it get any better?!?
Dr. Jay explained the situation, what is needed, and what the pros and cons of various options are — with complete respect for your own situation. I found the previous review to be completely in-​sync with my experiences. His staff is friendly, warm and helpful. The office very easy to get to, right on Ogden Avenue, near the exit for I-​88 at Naper Road. I would insist that all my own family, of all ages, come in as patients, as well, if they weren’t half-​way across the country!

Dr. Jay knows his stuff — he used to teach (U of I, I think) and it shows. He is both aggressive in keeping your teeth healthy and finding fixes for problems, and conservative in avoiding procedures of uncertain value. When there are multiple options he spells out the pros and cons carefully. He takes pride in his skill and in doing what is best for his patients.
He does all his own work — no staff except the receptionist he shares with his pediatrician wife (Dr. Jan). No overbooking — he always sees me at the appointed time. I was used to big city assembly line dentistry, so when I signed on with this guy 20 years ago (OMG!) the lonely waiting room seemed surreal. When I’ve suddenly had a situation that required assessment (I’ve never had an «emergency», fortunately), he has usually been able to squeeze me in briefly by the next day. I’ve also had good experiences with his specialist referrals.
Dr. Jay is a bit curmudgeonly –typically greets me with «OK, what did you do to yourself?» (I had a dentally misspent youth.) But he can also be engaging if you push the right buttons before he starts sticking things in your mouth. When he learned I has a science background he told me all about the physical properties of reconstructive materials, etc. He uses amusing metaphors for some of his tasks (I won’t give away his shtick here).
You can’t go wrong with this guy.