Amy M Van Fossen, DDS, PC

Hands down, the greatest dentist experience one could ever image! Dr. Van Fossen is the best! Appointments are easy to make, and best of all, on time… no waiting around! Dr. Van Fossen gives you a full explanation and her pleasant personality is truly enjoyable. She’s so great that we tracked her down thru her office move.

I’ve been dentist shopping around Chicago and could not find one that I liked. I finally ended up at Dr. Van Fossen and knew I found my dentist! She is fantastic. Knowledgeable, great bedside manner, friendly. The last dentist I went to told me I had two cavities, so I went to Dr. Van Fossen for a 2^nd opinion (but did not tell her this). She pointed out the two areas that the other dentist wanted to fill but told me all the reasons why she did not think they were cavities (said they were most likely stains) and that she would opt for watching them for now and to see if they changed.
She is not in my insurance network so I have a small copay when I see her and this was well worth the $ 300 she saved me in not filling two cavities that the last in-​network dentist wanted to charge!
I cannot recommend her enough. The dental hygienist was great, the receptionist was warm and friendly and the office was clean and up to date.
5+ stars.

There’s a reason why this place doesn’t have anything less than 5 stars … I’m a 29 year old baby when it comes to the dentist — if I can avoid it, I will. and I did — for like 3 years… but I just got out of my appointment and I will definitely be back in 6 months. My preferred method of communication is via email, especially when making appointments to places I don’t really want to go. The woman in charge of appointments was very receptive and accommodating. This office has all sorts of hours, before work and after. I got there a early and was very warmly welcomed by the people up front — ‘welcome to the practice’. My hygienist, Lisa, saw me as soon as I was ready. She was so nice and treated me like the big baby that I was, very reassuring, very thorough but not too rough. I then saw Dr. Van Fossen, she’s a treat! Very nice, she explained everything in detail, they all just seemed so happy to be there and to do their jobs. if you’re looking for a dentist, go here. I already made my next appointment!

Great experience with Dr. Van Fossen! I chose this office based on reviews and location. From the very beginning of making the appointment to checking out, everyone was friendly and helpful. Dr. Van Fossen’s manner is warm and practical and very specific to my needs.
The personalized letter after my appointment was an inspiration! I definitely have the warm and fuzzies after this experience!

I am in town to work for just 2 months and oops, lost a cap on a friday night. I was able to get in to see Dr. Fossen and she and Alex, the dental asst. were so amazingly great about recementing. They explained everything needed and made me feel very comfortable. I cannot say enough great things about the entire office since the desk lady was also so nice and very competent!

There is not a better dentist in Chicago. I have never in my life looked forward to my cleanings and appointments. I have not always been the best at my oral hygiene and I have spent plenty of time in a dentist chair as a result. Dr. Van Fossen worked with me to get a plan to get my teeth into good shape. She didn’t try to change me or judge my habbits and my teeth have never been better.
I just moved to Rhode Island and I hope I can continue coming to her practice.
They have great technology — she shows you everything going on with your teeth. There is no mystery there.
I do partake in the paraffin wax treatment on my hands during my visits. I tell others who become jealous that their cleaning is no where near as relaxing.
The «out of network» insurance issue was a concern for me, but the prices that I have seen are not that different from my insurance company’s in network coverage, so there has been nothing crazy out of pocket to see the greatest dentist in Chicago.

I have never enjoyed the dentist and Dr. Van Fossen actually makes it enjoyable. She is the most informative doctor I have ever been to and makes you feel completely comfortable throughout the visit.
A huge bonus is the paraffin wax for your hands as you get your teeth cleaned. She also offer to hook up your phone to play your music. She definitely goes above and beyond for her patients.

Short Version of this Long Review:
Dr. Amy Van Fossen is a beyond fabulous dentist. I’d give her 10 stars if I could. She and the team treated me like family and were very sensitive to my dental fears. Their follow up was impeccable and attention to detail when creating my plan exceeded my expectations. Dr. Van Fossen was my 5^th opinion for a lot of work needed and the choice was an instant no brainer.
The Dentist:
She is someone who is truly passionate about her job and teeth. Unlike most dentists I’ve been to, Dr. Van Fossen looks to discover WHY you have cavities, etc. and talks through your diet, habits, etc. I have lost 10 lbs by cutting out things that were (to my surprise) horrible for my teeth and I feel empowered finally knowing WHY these things happened to me and not leaving with the usual dental advice of «bad genes» or «floss more». She is not afraid to be honest about what she feels you need now and what can be revisited in a year or two — which I think anyone can appreciate. She really goes the extra mile in everything and has detailed explanations for her opinions.
The Plan:
What truly impressed me is the level of customer service and quality of the dental work. My teeth look incredible and I was looped in every step of the way with a custom built plan which itemized every cost and grouped them into visits. Dr. Van Fossen even called me to talk through some of the planning while she did it. I loved how included I was because this was going be expensive (and a little scary) for me. I wanted to be sure I was getting a conservative, yet appropriate approach. Her Endodontist referrals for a root canal needed were equally wonderful (and pain free).
The Work:
Let me tell you — she gives great needle! I never felt an ounce of pain throughout my 5 or 6 visits — during or after. I am the world’s biggest wimp when it comes to needles/​doctors and even explored anesthesia to be put out for everything — SO not necessary. She works efficiently and before I knew it I was in and out each visit — she has really helped me go a long way with my dental fears.
The Rest:
The office is clean, in a beautiful building and in a great location (shopping Macy’s post visit — yes I think so!). Jim at the front desk is just a doll and and has fabulous follow up/​customer service skills. The Hygienist I primarily had, Erica — equally wonderful and helpful. I love that they will provide you with music to listen to and the rooms have magnets and non-​dentist related items to look at while you’re in the chair (not to mention the view!). They have a unique referral program I have benefited from that has left my friends equally raving about Choices in Dentistry.
Conclusion:
All and all, I saved a lot of money going with Choices in Dentistry (vs. other opinions I received that I felt were far too aggressive/​sloppy), had perfect follow up, received a beautiful plan that took a conservative and preventative approach that left me feeling beautiful, stress-​free and excited/​empowered about the future health of my teeth. I’m not sure I can ever go anywhere else again! Dr. Amy Van Fossen is a real find!

First things first, I don’t like the dentist. As a category, I would give dentistry zero stars, but Van Fossen makes it bearable and is very accommodating to my dental anxiety (apparently this is the correct name for hating the dentist).
During my exams and the cleaning, you get a paraffin wax treatment for your hands and a sick discman to listen to tunes– all in the name of keeping your mind off whatever is happening in your mouth.
Dr. Van Fossen has a great chair-​side manner and clearly explains the treatment plan. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a Loop dentist.

I’m not a fan of going to the dentist, like at all. The last place I went, I never saw the same dentist twice if I saw one at all (usually a tech). And one lady said I needed what I thought were sealants and ended up coming at me with a needle instead. Yeah, I’m done with that place.
A friend recommended Amy and she was right, Amy was great. I never felt so educated leaving a dentist before. She explained every detail. She was kind about suggestions and never pushy.
Also, they do paraffin waxes! The warmth on my hands was really calming and made getting two shots a lot more pleasant than I could’ve imagined.
Not to mention, they are ON IT with insurance and very honest and open about prices and do their best to calculate cost. There are no surprises there, both in the dentists chair and in the lobby. I think I might have finally found my dentist :)