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)