“Orthodontics is my passion. I started out as a general dentist while an intern at VA Research Hospital in Chicago. I treated many Vietnam Veterans as well as patients and staff while I was there. Many patients at the VA Hospital were amputees and had numerous dental and medical problems. I therefore decided to become a Prosthodontist, specialist in restoring missing teeth) to help treat difficult cases. My mentor, Dr. William F. P. Malone was the head of Loyola the Prosthodontic Department. We consulted weekly on cases.”
During my Prosthetic residency, I realized many cases were difficult to restore because their teeth were not correctly positioned. I therefore continued my education by also specializing in Orthodontics. I was a dual specialist for a short time before limiting my profession to Orthodontics. I started working very closely with dentists and specialists to restore complicated cases as well as treat normal cases.
I am a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, administrating Botox and Juvederm to further enhance esthetics on adults as well as treating TMJ discomfort.
Education and Continued Education
Dr. Robert G. Thomas has practiced in the Chicago suburbs for over 30 years.
| Bachelor and Doctorate of Dental Surgery | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | |
| Post-Doctoral Master’s degree in Oral Biology | Loyola University | |
| Doctorate of Dental Surgery | University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Chicago | |
| Internship | Northwestern University and the Veterans Administration Research Hospital in Chicago | |
| Orthodontic and Prosthodontics Specialties | Loyola University |
At the present time, his practice is limited to Orthodontics. Dr. Thomas also uses Botox and dermal fillers for treatment of TMJ pain, gummy smiles, and facial cosmetics.
His background is ideal for treating patients with complicated cases, such as missing teeth, accidents, and skeletal problems. He works closely with referring doctors to achieve the best results possible.
Dr. Thomas was the previous assistant head and associate professor of the Department of Orthodontics at Loyola University, before going into full-time, private practice.
Professional Memberships
- Dr. Thomas is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists
- Member of The American Association of Orthodontics
- The Illinois association of Orthodontists
- The American Dental Association
- The Illinois Dental Association
- The Chicago Dental Society
- The American Academy of Facial Esthetics
- The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Robert L. Thomas, DDS, MS
I find being an orthodontist to be a humbling experience, as people put great trust in me to do my best for themselves and their children. Every smile I help to perfect, every person no longer afraid to smile in public because of their teeth, makes me feel what I am doing is worthwhile. Being able to take someone who is afraid to smile, who is perceived by others as shy because they are afraid to show their teeth, and seeing a transformation in their personality and attitude towards life is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of practicing orthodontics.
I knew from an early age that I wanted to spend my life working with people and helping them directly. My father is an orthodontist, and while I was free to choose my own path in life, I was drawn into the fulfilling world of orthodontics by seeing the joy it brought my father.
Education and Continuing Education
I’ve never stopped advancing my education in orthodontics and consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I regularly attend continuing education courses in order to stay on the cutting-edge of current technology to benefit my patients, both in providing a more comfortable experience as well as amazing results.
| Bachelor of Science, Biology | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | |
| Graduate Studies | Southern Illinois University and Benedictine University | |
| Doctorate of Dental Surgery | University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Chicago | |
| Master of Science, Oral Biology | University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Chicago | |
| Orthodontic Specialty Certificate | University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Chicago |
Professional Memberships:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Midwest Society of Orthodontists
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Society
- Chicago Dental Society
Outside the Office
I am happily married with two wonderful children. When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy sponsoring several local youth sports teams and community 5k and 10k races throughout the year.
American Association of Orthodontists® On this site, you can learn about orthodontic specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The correction of tooth and jaw alignment results in a healthy, attractive smile that’s good for life.
American Dental Association® Founded in 1859, the American Dental Association is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world. Since then, the ADA has grown to become the leading source of oral health related information for dentists and their patients. Learn more about the ADA’s mission and vision, and our commitment to the public’s oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement and access to care for all Americans.
