Affinity Smiles has changed my perspective and reduced my dentist anxiety . During my first appointment, I was nervous because of bad experiences with previous dentists. However, I'm happy to say that coming here has made my appointments less stressful and enjoyable! The waiting room is cozy, well-cleaned, and the environment is calm. James was the first person I interacted with--he was helpful and welcoming. We had a brief discussion of anime, tattoos, and other random topics . I believe he decorated the waiting area this month, which made it even cozier and a perfect fit for the spooky season ! I met with Iskho, who is incredible! Iskho is sweet, informative, and funny. During my appointment, he was gentle with my teeth and would describe to me what he saw and would discuss methods on how to improve. We exchanged anime suggestions and tattoos, which made my appointment fun. Dr. Raina is amazing. She was very welcoming and kind during our first interaction, and took notes on my past dental history. She understood my uneasiness and treated me with patience and care. Similar to Iskho, she would describe to me what issues I had and how we could resolve them. I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Raina, Iskho, and James. You've made going to the dentist a stress-free and even enjoyable experience! I look forward to my dentist appointments instead of dreading them months in advance, so thank you, Dr. Raina, Iskho, and James. You all are the best . read more

I have been with Dr. Kochikaran for more than 14 years before she started her Affinity Smiles. She is gentle and capable, and she always explains each step during the procedure so you can expect what happens. I used to be scared of dentist appointment, but with Dr. K, I LOOK FORWARD to it each time even with two crowns (today). She never pushes for unnecessary treatment, but explains pros and cons and let you make your own decision. I have witnessed the technical updates at Affinity Smiles, which makes the dental work even more comfortable and faster. The staff is always friendly and joyful, and you can tell they enjoy their job from the atmosphere in the office. I highly recommend this clinic. read more

Had a procedure done by Dr Rizina, and I've gotta say, it was one of my best dental experiences. She was very professional, charismatic, and gentle. Definitely shows that she's great at what she does. The staff in its entirety is very welcoming and kind. Office is always very clean. Highly recommend! read more

Professional and pure kindness Not. An easy job but Dr. k and staff surely make it easy and welcoming. Thank you all read more

Dr. K is thorough, friendly, and will let you know what to expect with each step in the procedure. Her staff are stellar, as well. She's the best dentist I've seen. read more

we have been so happy at Affinity Smiles for so many years and we recommend this dental practice to everyone we meet. The top dental care, the courtesy, and treating valued patients for whom the dentists really care for our long-term health and well-being. read more

Dr. K and her team are the best. I've always had a great experience when my daughter and i go. She's very thorough and knowledgeable. She talks you through everything so you understand what's going on. Her office is warm and inviting and her staff is friendly as well. Going to the dentist isn't my fave but going to Dr.K makes it worthwhile. read more

Are you anxious about going to the dentist? You don't have to be at Affinity Smiles. You will be met with care, compassion, & the best dental care. Dr. Kochikaran, Dr. Raina and her whole team will make sure your teeth and gums are cared for. Even the front desk staff is the best (Shoutout to James!) She also has the best referral if you need more specialized care. I can't recommend Affinity Smiles more!! read more

Been a patient of Dr. K's for years now and think is she by far the best dentist I've ever had. I feel lucky to have found her practice! She's caring, honest, thorough, and extremely talented at local anesthesia during procedures like fillings. The discomfort is minimal if at all both during and after procedures. Dr. K is a true perfectionist. The office is clean and staff are kind. Highly recommend this practice! read more

Our family has been with Dr. K for over ten years and we drive 20 min here for a reason. The office staff has been here from the beginning! We have received quality care by friendly and gentle staff who is always on time/ read more

Dr. Kochikaran and her team are truly so wonderful. I was referred to Dr. K's office in Skokie by a former colleague and friend after I expressed my frustrations finding a good dentist that would take my hmo insurance. After hearing such high praises from my friend I made an appointment with Affinity Smiles in 2016 and have been with them ever since. One of the things I really love about this office is the friendly and helpful team Dr. K has assembled. James in particular is the nicest and most patient person that has gracefully dealt with my many rescheduled appointments after poor planning (on my part). In addition to the helpful administrative staff, I have to give props to Dr. K's dental hygienist, I think her name is Manuela (my apologies if I'm wrong). I was just in for my 6-month cleaning yesterday and had another quick and great visit and honestly one of the best cleanings I've ever had. If you're someone that gets nervous for dental appointments you will really like this hygienist because she is so light with her hands that you don't deal with any painful jabbing of the instruments. In regards to the never-ending pandemic, I admittedly have been hesitant about doctors appointments during this pandemic; but I truly felt so safe with all the precautions Affinity Smiles has put in place. I honestly can't say enough great things about this office, so if you are in need of a dentist that truly cares, make sure to book an appoint with Dr. Kochikaran. read more

Dr. K. is amazing, kind, thorough, really knowledgeable and gentle. She talked my nervous partner through being more relaxed at the dentist and now he is fine going to her. And when I go in, she asks about him every time. Her office staff are really nice. read more

Dr. K is the best. She is detailed, honest, polite, and kind. I trust her wholeheartedly as she has always provided me with solid advice, feasible options, and never pushed products or procedures on me. I started seeing her after another dentist had recommended I have surgery to repair my receding gums. Dr. K immediately told me she did not believe that was necessary and further took the time to explain why. She also provided simple strategies for improving my gums at home. It's been years since this recommendation was made and my gums are still perfectly fine sans surgery. My visits to Affinity Smiles are generally quick and on-time which I appreciate. It truly is hard to find a dentist you trust and I am happy to say I've found it here. read more

The worst experience of my life. Had a bridge done here and it took 3 times to get it right. Each time the dentist acted like it was a chore and tried to get me to settle instead of getting it done right. The work failed after 6 months and they didn't return my calls about fixing it until after the warranty was up. These people are by far the worst people I've ever dealt with in the dental industry. I would rather not have teeth than have to deal with these people again read more

I have had THE BEST EXPERIENCE with Affinity Smiles over the past 5+ years. Dr. K was always extremely empathetic, knowledgable, and showed great patience with fielding my questions. Her staff (I know them all by name now because of how friendly they are) are all extremely professional and supportive. For instance, once I was in a bind and needed to see Dr. K as soon as possible. James, who does all of the scheduling warned me that there were no openings for several weeks but after telling him my situation he collaborated with me to find availability between other patients within 48 hours. Another time I was there, while waiting for my appointment, I watched as a ~6 y/o boy went in for a routine tooth cleaning but scared-to-death of what was about to happen. Alejandra, the dental hygienist calmly explained to the boy what she was going to do and worked with him to gain trust. By the time I'd finished up and was paying my bill, the boy came into the waiting room and greeted his mom with a huge hug, super excited and the mom showing much relief at having had a very comfortable and stress-free experience. I asked Alejandra what the trick was and she said she moved at their pace and let the boy know everything she was going to do. I also can't help but imagine that it was beneficial to have a hygienist who was so diligent and careful. My most recent appointment, I had Skyler as my hygienist and I told her that I was getting married in just a few days. Without requesting it, she went-to-town on my thoroughly yellowed coffee-stained teeth and made them as white as pearls. Suffice to say I feel extremely thankful for having such a great dentist and crew to support me over these past few years of stressful graduate school and pandemic. Im missing them already! read more

I moved to the Northwest Side of Chicago in 2019 and was stressed out about finding a new dentist, as I had avoided going for years because of a few terrible experiences back on the West Coast. A friend recommended Affinity Smiles and I'm so glad they did. Dr. Joann and her team are the best of the best. She's so friendly and personable but also direct and professional - she's been especially good with my son, who's had to have some baby teeth pulled and a cracked tooth extracted. He actually loves going to the dentist now, which is unheard of! James at reception is lovely and all the hygienists are patient and gentle. Cannot recommend this practice enough. read more

We saw Dr. K at a previous practice she belonged to (several years ago) and switched to Affinity Smiles because we missed her so much. She is a great dentist: she talks you through every step of a procedure, makes sure you are comfortable, and is gentle with all of the steps. I recently had to get a crown and I appreciated how diligent Dr. K was in ensuring that my bite was perfect. I also appreciated that she checked in with me after the procedure to make sure everything was OK. In addition to being a great dentist, she is warm, caring, and easy to talk with. The rest of the staff is also great - helpful, kind, and knowledgable. Finally - both Dr. K and her staff are great with my kids. read more

We feel so lucky to have found Dr. K to be our family dentist. We've seen her for several years and have nothing but praise. Dr. Kochikaran is a fantastic dentist - caring, knowledgeable, skilled, and efficient. The whole team at the office is excellent. Wonderful for patients of all ages. As a doctor I'm picky about health care for my family, and I can't recommend Affinity Smiles enough. read more

Dr.kochikaran have always gone beyond and above with dental services for me and my family.Dr.kochikaran treats everyone like family, I truly believe in her and wonderful staff there. read more

I enjoy the true professionalism with the staff and Dr. Kochikaran. I am now having my first crown from Dr. K so far so good waiting for the permanent crown. Next procedure will be a bridge. Affinity Smiles has not let me down. read more

I suppose I could find a dentist closer to home but instead I drive from McKinley Park to Skokie and back, which averages close to 2 hours commute time because of the excellent care I get from Dr. K. I'm a bit older (66) and lost count of the crowns and other treatment I've received from Dr. K and with excellent results. Her staff is excellent as well. Ok, I can't say getting a crown is fun, but the discomfort is minimal and most importantly I can relax with confidence knowing that I have a very competent professional who has never failed me in many years. She was my dentist before she moved and opened Affinity smiles, and of course I followed her to Skokie. read more

Dr. Kochikaran and her team are amazing! I've unfortunately had lots and lots of dental work over the years and she and her team are truly top-notch. I recently moved to the suburbs and had not found a new dentist to replace my city dentist when I found myself in the terrible position of having a cracked tooth on a Friday late afternoon. I called and email over 20 dentists and Dr. Kochikaran was the only one who personally got back to me and made time to see me first thing Monday morning. She saved my tooth and found two others that were in need of immediate care that we scheduled a follow-up appointment to address. She even follows up after your appointment to see how you are doing! Pricing and insurance information is handled in a very easy, professional manner and everything is explained in detail. Dental work is never fun but I'm happy to have found a great dentist! If you're in the northern burbs and in need of a new dentist or better care, you should definitely give Affinity Smiles a call! read more

I've been in this place 3 times for a simple filling! After first time I could not floss between that tooth and the one next to it! In my second visit the dentist tried to adjust the filling, which did not work, and finally he refilled that tooth in the third visit! Still, I feel pain in my tooth when chewing hard food! read more

Just called to make an appointment and they are booked 4 weeks out. They are not willing to secure an appointment by any mean unless you're insured. read more

Switched my DMO to Affinity. Called and left a voicemail to schedule an appointment. Received a call back indicating that although my insurance change is effective March 1, they would not be able to verify until March 4 when they receive the new roster in the mail. Ummmmm, I have worked in the dental and medical fields, you can call up Delta Dental and confirm that I have made the switch and when it takes effect. I insisted that I did not want to wait until the 4th to schedule but that we could schedule for after that date to appease them. Nope. Wouldn't even schedule me for two weeks out. If they are this difficult for a NEW patient exam, I can't even imagine what might happen in an emergency. On the hunt for a new dentist. read more

Affinity Smiles is a warm and welcoming office. I recently began visiting this office after being dissatisfied with my previous dentist. Upon arriving, I was greeted by name and made to feel comfortable right away by the reception staff. In the actual dental work space, you are greeted warmly by the dental assistants and receive personalized music choices and can even watch Netflix during your appointment. Dr. K. is absolutely phenomenal. Not only is she a skilled dentist, she truly cares. Dental visits can be daunting for some, but the three step process of being greeting warmly at the door, in your seat and through your procedure take away any discomfort. Dr. K. talks you through every part of the procedure letting you know what she's doing, why and voicing anything she sees. This is reassuring and gives insight into what's going on in your mouth. She warns you when a little pain may come and even takes some precautions when it might. For example, in a procedure, I wasn't fully numbed for technical purposes and she made sure to spray the water on the non-sensitive side of my mouth so I could swish with my own precautions. She is so kind and personable - I always enjoy conversation with her, even when I can't always make coherent words due to my mouth being numb or tinkered in. Beyond this, she is bent on perfection. In a procedure that required me to return to replace a temporary inlay, she noticed that while I had my temporary in, I somehow slightly chipped my tooth (a literal 2 mm change). The permanent inlay fit, but wasn't perfect. Instead of making it work, she retook the impression and asked me to return in a couple of weeks because she did not feel comfortable with an almost perfect fit. This meant a lot to me because other dentists I've been to would not have done this. Any and every opportunity I have, I recommend Affinity Smiles. I've been to 3 or 4 dentists in my life and this office is by far the best. read more

Wonderful practice! Dr. Kochikoran and her delightful and highly skilled staff make each visit a joy. She fixed and capped a broken tooth for me quickly snd painlessly, and later on, two implants. I am very squeamish about Covid exposure, but her practice takes great precautions. I couldn't recommend this dentist more!! read more

I am a new patient of Dr. K's as of Feb 2017, due to an insurance switch at my job. I had not been to the dentist in 2-3 years and had some anxiety about going - but I wanted to get a full cleaning and x-rays before I start grad school this summer and lose my dental benefits - glad I did, because I had a few things that needed to get done! My anxiety instantly disappeared after the first time meeting Dr. K and her staff, and I really enjoyed her modern, clean, and nice looking office. Dr. K is very kind and professional - she was patient and completely empathetic about my nervousness on getting work done and took her time explaining everything to me and giving me breaks as needed. I just completed my 3rd and last visit at the office until my next check up in September, and I can assure you, I will be coming back. Dentists make me anxious enough, now that I have finally found one who I like and trust - I never want to go through the process of finding another one again. And with Dr. K and Affinity Smiles, I should not have to. :) read more

I highly recommend Dr K. She has taken care of me and family members for a long time. She is pro-active about doing work before the issues become larger, and is very good at explaining procedures before and during so one knows what to expect. She is a fine professional and very personable as well. I expect that my family will always stay with her practice. read more

I have had huge communication issues with the office staff. On the surface, everyone is pleasant, but I don't feel that things are explained well. On what will be my final visit today, I had an issue with when they asked me to pay me "co-pay" of $216, after I had been waiting for my daughter for an hour. The office manager was very snippy with me about paying, which I have no problem with, but it was how it was asked. I complained to the dentist about the staff after paying, and she at first said I didn't have to pay now, then backtracked and then scoffed at me and said, "oh geez " when I said that the office staff was rude. This is not my first time having issues with communication or feeling that the dentist is condescending . read more

As a forgive and forget kind of family it takes a whole lot for us to make a complaint. But this event was so far beyond anything we have ever expierienced in any business encounter that we took the time to share our expierience with all of you. We felt like we had to share because as it was happening the dentist kept referring to the office reviews on yelp and not the actual actions of her staff. As you can see from her reply not even a minor attempt at an apology but only to say that at affinity smiles the patient is always the liar and the staff has never had a bad day! Wow! what ever happened to customer service? Good luck if you choose this office. read more

I and my wife have been going to Affinity Smiles and seeing De Kochikaran for several years. The visits are always pleasant and the service is great! I cant recommmend their practice enough. They keep their schedule running very smoothly and so I never have to wait to start my appointment on time. If you are looking for a dentist, Affinity Smiles and Dr Kochikaran is the place to go. read more

Dr. Kochikaran and her staff are very friendly and professional. Although I've always had positive experiences with the dentist, I was a little apprehensive since I had developed some sensitivity and was afraid the cleaning would be unpleasant. Those worries were unfounded, since the doctor was very gentle with the cleaning and her assistant, who did the polishing, was also very gentle but checked in with me frequently to ask if the pressure was okay. read more

After nervously spending several weeks searching for a new dentist due to a change in dental insurance, I could not have been happier to have found Dr. K! She and her entire staff were an absolute blessing in disguise! I've never felt so comfortable at the dentist's office for a cleaning, and even when I had to go back a week later for a cleaning. Everyone that works in her office has a smile on their face, is extremely welcoming and helpful. I'm now working with them to do some whitening after finishing up Invisalign at another dental office. So glad I found Affinity Smiles, I'll be a patient here for years to come! read more

I'm from out of state (and provider network) and had an urgent need to have something looked at before my return home. I would highly recommend this office. The entire staff - dentist, dental assistant, and office staff were very helpful. read more

Dr. Kochikaran and Affinity Smiles staff are amazing and the office is gorgeous too! Dr. Kochikaran is so knowledgeable and I feel like I'm in great hands! Very happy we made the switch to this office. read more

The front office man is kind and professional. I wish I could say the same for Dr Ahmed. She is makes you feel as if you are putting her out by having her do her job. She is rude, and disregards you're feedback about pain. Terrible read more

I have been a patient at Affinity Smiles for over a year now, maybe two. I used to see Dr. Dyme but he left the practice. I saw his replacement this morning, Dr. Dukanwala. This man does not appear old enough to buy his own beer much less provide dental care. He spoke over me and was rude as he tried to "educate" me. Then as he was examining me, dug his thumb nail into my chin. He accused me of "wearing down my teeth" from clenching my jaw throughout the day and grinding my teeth at night. I assured him that I do not clench my jaw during the day, which he scoffed at. He offered me no suggestions for stopping me from grinding my teeth at night. It was a very unpleasant experience. The office staff looked uncomfortable as I walked out of my cleaning. It's probably not the first time this man has been abrasive towards his patients. I imagine the level of care is commensurate with the DMO dental benefit my employee offers. Thankfully, I have new insurance options Jan 1 and you can be sure I will not use them here. read more

I'm usually quite apprehensive when it comes to having to choose a new dentist, especially if I suspect that there would be plenty of work to be done (as it turned out to be the case this time), but Dr. Dyme has been nothing but great so far, during all of my visits to Affinity Smiles over the last few months. I also really appreciate the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to assist you whenever needed. Overall, I can only recommend the place and Dr. Dyme to anyone looking for a dentist! read more

Gone are the days of fearing a dental appointment! Because Dr. K and all of her staff at Affinity Smiles are truly as good as it gets! It all started when I found her office through my insurance company's website. Even though it was a $30 cab ride out of my way, I chose Affinity Smiles because unlike most of the other offices I'd called to make an appointment, everyone I interacted with was very friendly, and as an added bonus, they were able to schedule me within a week. I should mention here that before visiting Dr. K, it had been almost a decade since I had seen a dentist, urgh. That means when I came in, I knew it was bad. I needed seven fillings, one of which was so severe I needed a crown. Part of the reason I put off going to the dentist was because I was scared of being berated by belligerent dentist (which has happened in the past), so finding friendly staff was crucial to my decision. It turns out Dr. K was truly a godsend- she is very empathetic and has never once made me feel bad about my situation. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, we spread out all that work over the course of 5 appointments and almost 2 months. The procedures themselves have been expertly done-- I haven't felt any pain or discomfort whatsoever during the procedures (which is definitely helped by the fact that I get to watch my favorite TV show on a screen mounted to the ceiling while the drilling happens), and afterwards I can barely notice the difference (except, hey, that hole in my tooth is gone!). All of the facilities at Affinity Smiles are gorgeous and top notch in terms of both cleanliness and design! Maybe the biggest perk of all, is that even after all this, I haven't broken the bank... and I'm a poor PhD student. I wrote this review because I want everyone in Chicagoland to know how great Affinity Smiles is. As a result of Dr. K's professionalism, expertise, and genuine kindness, I absolutely look forward to going to see my dentist! It's almost worth all the cavities. ;) read more