We are proud to introduce our highly skilled and caring team at Palos Pediatric Dentistry. We value team members who have exceptional dental techniques as well as excellent communication and patient care capabilities. Each member of our team is hand selected from numerous candidates in order to provide your child with comprehensive dental care in a caring and compassionate manner.
We know the impression we make on little ones early in their dental treatment can last a lifetime. You can count on Dr. Richard Facko to provide a happy dental home for your child.
Come in and meet us in person at our Palos Heights pediatric dental office so that you can feel confident you are making a great decision for the health care of your child.
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, he has been dedicated to providing a high level of care for the families in his hometown. Dr. Facko has been a pediatric dentist since 2012 and loves guiding child patients toward finding the confidence in themselves to experience the dentist without fear.
Education & Certifications
Dr. Facko's roots are in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, where he grew up and attended Palos 128 and Marist High School. His extensive education and training include:
- Undergraduate: Indiana University - Bloomington, BA in Biochemistry
- Dental School & Residency: University of Illinois - Chicago
- DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
- MS (Master of Science)
- Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry (including a two-year residency with the dental school and UIC hospital)
Certifications: Dr. Facko holds top certifications in his field, demonstrating his commitment to pediatric excellence:
- Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
Practice Philosophy & Responsibilities
Dr. Facko cherishes the opportunity to work in the town where he was raised and currently resides, viewing his patients as his family, friends, and neighbors. His approach is built on collaboration and comfort:
- Patient Care: He enjoys working with all patients, particularly those with special needs.
- Collaborative Environment: He works closely with parents to help them understand all treatment options and find solutions that fit their values and priorities in a way that is not traumatic for the child, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and heard.
- Professional Motivation: He was drawn to the dental field to use his talents to directly help others, falling in love with pediatric dentistry while in dental school.
Community & Personal Life
Serving families in the community he grew up in holds a special meaning for Dr. Facko. His commitment extends far beyond the practice, as he is actively involved in local organizations:
- GiGi’s Playhouse - Tinley Park: He serves as Board President for this organization, whose mission is "To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all."
- Palos 128: He currently serves on the Board of Education.
- Youth Sports: He has the privilege of coaching three of his kids' youth hockey teams.
Dr. Facko, along with his wife, Cassie, has four children: Lexie, Rich, Marie, and Annie. Their youngest daughter, Annie, who was born with Down syndrome, is the glue that keeps the family close and has profoundly shaped Dr. Facko's view of the world, teaching him to always live in the moment.
In his free time, most everything revolves around family. He enjoys riding his bike, going on hikes with his wife and kids, running with friends, and finding time for reading both fiction and non-fiction.
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.
Dr. Facko looks forward to seeing all of his patient families both in the office and around town!
Brittany Bauer, DMD, MS
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Brittany Bauer believes that a trip to the dentist should be more than just a check-up—it should be a confidence-building experience. Since joining Palos Pediatric Dentistry in 2022, she has dedicated herself to being a calm, reassuring presence for her patients. By using age-appropriate language and celebrating every "small win," she helps turn potentially stressful visits into moments where children feel proud of what they can achieve.
Education & Expertise
Dr. Bauer’s journey in dentistry is rooted in a deep love for both science and art. After completing both her undergraduate and general dental degrees at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she moved on to specialized training at Indiana University and the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for her Pediatric Dental Residency. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), a distinction that represents the highest level of commitment to her specialty.
Why Pediatric Dentistry?
Though she grew up watching her father practice general dentistry, Dr. Bauer initially thought she might take a different path. However, once she began working with children, she realized she couldn't imagine doing anything else."What I love most is watching a child’s confidence build with every visit. Seeing an anxious patient transform into a happy, confident one who is proud of themselves is the most rewarding part of my job."
At Home & On the Water
When she isn’t helping her patients achieve healthy smiles, Dr. Bauer is likely chasing her next big adventure. An enthusiast of health and fitness, she and her husband love to travel for scuba diving and snowboarding. She is also an avid angler, taking annual trips to Lake Erie for Walleye and heading down to the Florida Keys for deep-sea fishing—a hobby that requires immense patience and strength to reel in Grouper and Tuna!
At home, she enjoys the quieter side of life with a good book and her two beloved black cats, Baggy and Squeaky. And if you’re lucky, you might even hear her "hidden talent"—she does a spot-on impression of Stitch from Lilo & Stitch!
Dr. Elizabeth Asdell, DDS, MS
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Elizabeth Asdell is a dedicated Pediatric Dentist at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, having recently joined the practice in December 2025.
Dr. Asdell's primary responsibilities include diagnosing and treating cavities, but most importantly, making the dental experience a positive one tailored to every individual patient. Her favorite thing about her job is interacting with the kids, having fun, joking around with them, and making their experience memorable—something they want to come back to. Following in the footsteps of her parents—her father is an oral surgeon and her mother is a hygienist—is what drew her to the dental field.
Dr. Asdell is extensively trained, having received her education from:
- Undergrad: Indiana University Bloomington
- Dental School: Indiana University School of Dentistry
- Residency: Riley Hospital For Children
When she isn't spending time with friends and family, Dr. Asdell enjoys going to concerts and other social events in the city, as well as hanging out with her dog, Mookie. She has a unique interest in music, particularly classic rock and many other genres, and enjoys listening to them on a record player. A fun fact people may not know about her is that she is a huge history buff and has visited a few historic sites around the U.S., with plans to visit more in the future.
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!
Precious
Dental Assistant
Precious joined our office in 2013 as our very first employee! Precious is an assistant to both Dr. Brittany and Dr. Facko. She mostly works in the operatory where she does an amazing job helping the kids get through dental procedures. She was born and raised on the Northside of Chicago and currently lives with her mother Marilyn and daughter Loella. She also has a dog named Ryno. Precious is a devoted fan to the Mega Boy Band BTS. You will often see her dancing through the office with a smile!
Janette
Dental Assistant
We love Palos Pediatric Dentistry! From the arrival check in with the Insurance Coordinator, Tina, and on ward to the Dental Hygienists, Melissa and Fay, and final check up with Dr. Facko, the entire team are friendly and seem like family instead of the professionals they truly are. My daughters do not have a chance to become nervous and the appointments always run smooth. The dental hygienists and Dr. Facko always explain very clearly what they are about to do and educate the girls on proper dental care and oral hygiene. Thank you Dr. Facko, Tina, Melissa and Fay!