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Radiant Smile - Charles H Chen We are a general dentistry office serving the diverse population of Evanston and beyond. We see the whole family from children to grandparents. We are a private practice with a single location. This means we are not subject to the business management of a large corporation with competing interests. The only people we have to please is you, our patients. Dentistry is our vocation; it is the art we practice.

We pursue the ideal, striving always to be our best. We utilize the latest technology from digital x-rays to CAD-CAM milling of dental crowns, from computerized spectrometry to match tooth color to the utilization of high-tech zirconia-based dental materials.
Services
We are located in downtown Evanston, just west of train tracks from the Metra & CTA Davis stations. You'll find our office on the ground floor with a storefront facing Maple Avenue. There is easy metered parking, usually right across the street from our door.
Dr. Chen is a 1997 graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where his major is biology. He received his DDS degree from The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 2001. After a couple of years as an associate dentist, in 2003, Dr. Chen started his own private practice in Evanston - The Radiant Smile.
Often people tolerate bad dental work because they don't know what quality dental work look and feel like. This person tolerated an ugly filling on the front tooth. After she had it redone, she wished she had done it years ago. Small cavities like these do not hurt. And it's hard to see when you're at home.
Reviews (26)
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Ej W.
May 26, 2022
I really loved The Radiant Smile until recently. I asked how much a night guard would be and the admin contacted insurance and told me I would have a $60 copay. I paid the $60, got the night guard and thought all was well. Then The Radiant Smile sends me a bill for $300 saying that insurance wouldn't pay. I called the insurance and we have had several conversations.

They said they told the admin that unless I had previous perio surgery, the night guard would not be covered. The Radiant Smile never said any thing about that to me. I called to make a cleaning appointment a month ago and they said that was not allowed because I have a balance of $300 (that I will continue to refuse to pay). They said they would call me to figure this out and they never called. Really? That is how you might get treated so beware. I now need to find a new dentist and I really liked Dr. B.
Elizabeth J. Wilton
May 21, 2022
I really like Dr. Basko but had a very disappointing experience with The Radiant Smile. Months ago I asked how much my insurance would cover for me to get a night guard. They said $60. I paid the $60, got the bite guard and thought everything was fine. Months later, they sent me a bill for $300 saying that insurance wouldn't pay. I called insurance several times since they couldn't figure it out and they said I was not approved to get a night guard unless I had perio surgery in the past.

The Radiant Smile insists that I still owe them $300 and they will not allow me to schedule a 6 month cleaning saying my account is frozen but this was THEIR error and they will not call me back to discuss. This is really surprising considering this was their administrative mistake.
Jules H.
Apr 21, 2022
Receptionist wasn't friendly at all. The tech took x-rays and told me the dentist would be right with me. Thirty-five minutes later, I was still sitting there waiting. I almost left. Then the dentist showed up and either didn't know or acknowledge that I was sitting there forever. To top it off, it was one of the roughest cleanings I've ever gotten and that's from someone who has very health teeth and gums. Then when I left they don't give out the dentist goody bag with the brush, floss and toothpaste! I know it's silly but that was the last straw. Never going back.
Maureen Mclaughlin
Jan 20, 2022
My husband and I both agree Dr. Basko is one of the best dentists we've ever been treated by in our lives (we are in our 60s). She's professional, decisive, gentle, skilled. I am a lot less fearful of going to the dentist and having procedures because of Dr. Basko's superior dentistry. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent dentist.
Layna L.
Jan 19, 2022
Dr Chen is ABSOLUTELY the BEST dentist I have ever gone to. I've been to dentists all over the place.in many different states, and even overseas. He beats THEM ALL! He's very intelligent and kind and does great work. Also with a gentle hand. We've grown to trust his work! He's done a LOT of work in my mouth and I'm thankful that now my teeth look and feel so much better!
Pedro Gonzalez
Nov 29, 2021
I would recommend, without any reservations, Dr Basko, as your dentist. My experience is always great, she is very thorough with the examination and very detail oriented at the time of doing procedures. You can tell she truly cares for her patients. She takes her time to explain in a simple way so you can make an educated decision about your oral health.
Lindsey Wade
Nov 20, 2021
Complete waste of time. Would not treat extreme toothache due to me being pregnant. I.e. refuses d rays, antibiotics, and pain management. Everyone knows you can get x rays while pregnant, take antibiotics, etc. For god's sake your job is to treat me, not worry about the safety of my baby. See how much you worry about my baby when I die of sepsis because you won't do anything and my pregnancy makes me more susceptible to infection.
Valerie R.
Sep 03, 2021
I think I wrote a review before nevertheless I'll write again. Highly recommended. Dr Chen always make me feel comfortable. I started with them this year a plan to continue getting my dental services from them for now on.
Greg Romero
Aug 31, 2021
They will destroy your teeth. I went for a cleaning and the person I saw insisted that I needed a new crown over a tooth that was NOT hurting. Didn't have any tooth pain at all. Stupidly I listened to them and they maxed my insurance putting in the crown. Now I'm in agonizing pain because they did a poor job and they're refusing to help unless I pay out of pocket.

I don't have thousands of dollars to just hand over. They actually told me to "decide what it's worth to you" when I asked them if I was supposed to just be in pain until January when my insurance comes back.
Diana Retana
Aug 18, 2021
Highly recommend! Absolutely grateful with Dr. Basko for taking me in last week when I needed a replacement! I feel as good as new. Always efficient and friendly. I have been a patient of Dr. Chen's for the past few years and do not mind driving extra for the great service they provide. Wonderful ladies in the front are always super helpful and were able to fit me in.
Alketa Mati
Aug 13, 2021
I see Dr. Basko @ The Radiant Smile, and I love her. I have seen other dentists before, but none is like Dr. Xheni. She is honest, compassionate and very professional. I have done numerous procedures and she has never disappointed me. She calls you and checks on you, to make sure you are ok. I highly recommend her and The Radiant Smile.
Jerry Specht
Jun 20, 2021
I have been going to Dr. Chen for about ten years. I think he is a *very* good dentist. Most of the time his fees are low enough to be fully paid by Blue Cross! (The fees of other Evanston dentists I have gone to were not.) He does most of the cleaning himself very quickly. The price is reasonable. There is rarely much of a wait. We have had no problems with billing, insurance, etc.

That being said, some members of my family don't like him because they feel he is too rough in the cleaning and/or doesn't emphasize preventative-care enough. One patient suggested that one should avoid Dr. Chen for any procedure requiring skill. I disagree. I think that Dr. Chen is *especially* strong in areas requiring real skill. I have had fillings, crowns, and root canals performed by Dr. Chen. Of course, things sometimes don't go as planned, but I have found his judgment and skill to be exceptional.
Brittney B.
Mar 26, 2021
To say that I am beyond dissatisfied is an understatement. I have silver fillings in my mouth and they are an eyesore and I knew that I'm going to need a couple implants in the back of my mouth. When trying to find a dentist I was recommended to go to this location. I know my mouth needs work and I wanted to start on it. He wanted to do the implants first but I told him I wanted to get the silver fillings fixed first because it was visible and we would go from there.

I had one tooth pulled in between the teeth with silver fillings prior to Dr. Chen and he recommended a bridge. Everything sounded perfect until it was done. It was too bulky didn't look right and doesn't feel right. I emailed him and showed pictures. He didn't respond but I had already called in for a follow up appointment. Get there and I'm in the exam chair sitting for over a half an hour before anyone speaks to me, when he's never done that before. Comes in and says he's seen my email and asks what I don't like and I say everything and compare both sides.

He basically says he can do so much and he didn't alter my gums and if I want my bridge more even to my natural side I'm going to need braces and it will take up to a year? Why would I need braces on straight teeth or a bridge? I show him the one tooth doesn't look like the other side's tooth and he says the right and left sides of the body are different.

And he didn't know I wanted all this stuff done because that's more work and longer time. My teeth have always been straight and I've never had braces in my life. Then he shows me my x-rays from before to show me he didn't touch my gums and shows me the crowns. He shaves down the sides of the bridge a little because NOW he notices it's too bulky.

He tells me I'm going to have to live with it (his exact words) and maybe I just have to get used to it. And he'll see me in a month and he will do more fixes if I still feel it necessary. I wasted my money and my time. Not to mention, I had a root canal done from another dentist who didn't do it right not even a year ago because it hurt and I asked him about starting that after the bridge and just said to pull it and do an implant.

I got a second opinion before I came back the last time and they said they could save it. He didn't tell me that or tell me the tooth next to it has a cavity. Now I'm going to probably have to get 4 implants since he did a 4 tooth bridge. I'm never coming back here.
Aditi K.
Oct 14, 2020
Probably the best in dentist I've experienced during my 5 years of living in the states. After terrible, not to mention traumatic, experiences with dentists elsewhere, I decided to use Yelp to search for the best dentists in Evanston and radiant smile popped up first. Being skeptical, I didn't want to judge in the first visit but after 3 visits, Dr. Chen and the team are extremely patient and caring about my dental and cosmetic needs. Look forward to keep visiting Dr. Chen for dental procedures
Nicole M.
Feb 13, 2020
Found this place out of convenience in an emergency, and I am SO HAPPY that I did. The setting: Evanston, a warm Friday evening in September 2017. The scene: I, an incorrigible nailbiter, have somehow managed to lodge a piece of my nail in my gums, behind my molar. Terrible, terrible pain. After flossing, attempting field surgery in a public restroom with a pair of tweezers (not recommended), and having a mild mental breakdown, I collect myself and search for nearby dentists with emergency hours. Radiant Smile were the first ones who were available that day and took my insurance. Dr. Xheni Basko was knowledgeable, understanding, and kind. I've since gone back a couple times and she has always very clearly explained what's been going on with my mouth.

The hygenists are also really friendly and professional! Aside from cleanings, I've had a cavity filled and it's been quick and easy. I'm really sad that I can't come here anymore because my insurance has changed!
Matt M.
Sep 03, 2019
Dr Chen and his team are miracle workers. So much so, that I've been seeing them for fifteen years and even though I live in the city, I make the drive to Evanston. I even tried finding dentists in the city but couldn't find anyone i trusted. Love them!
Andrea D.
Mar 23, 2019
Fantastic dentists at the radiant smile! They are always efficient and they are incredibly kind and helpful. Also, they are open on the weekends so it's a great option for people who work weekdays. I have been going here for over 3 years and am glad I found it. Very clean and professional.
Anne D.
May 18, 2018
Radiant smile is great, organized and consistent. Always gentle, thorough, and kind. I've only had cleanings and fillings, but they have been great every time. I really appreciate the soft and casual ambiance-- nothing over the top, but simple and calming. They are extremely organized and send me an email a few days before my appointment and the day before and the morning of my appointment. It's really great and helps keep me from forgetting. The waiting area is small but comfy. I have been going to them for 4 years now with no complaints. Everyone here is very kind and accommodating.
Cj P.
Sep 20, 2017
After a year, my crown that was placed on by Dr Chen has to be cleaned from infection and recapped. I still have nerve pain after the root canal as well. I wasn't pleased with my initial visit as they lack good customer service. Very displeased! For a simple teeth cleaning he may be perfect but BEWARE anything that requires skill.
Armando V.
Aug 01, 2017
I highly recommend this dental practice, I've been a patient of Dr. Chen for a few years now and he always takes care of my teeth no matter how big or small the issue is. He is very conservative about work that needs to be done and is very profesional. I've also had the opportunity to be seen by Dr. Basko in an emergency appointment (the staff gladly helped accommodate me the same day) I would highly recommend her.

She has a very gentle hand that makes you feel at ease and will gladly answer any questions you have. To top it off the front desk ladies are very helpful regarding insurance and cost prices for procedures I have never been disappointed with their work. The location of the practice is also a plus for those working in downtown Evanston. They're a very busy practice but the doctors are the best I've ever had.
Narsi Salivendala
May 30, 2017
I give radiant smile 5 stars. I've had very bad experiences with dentists in the past which led me not to see a dentist for over 6 years. The office was very clean with latest up to date equipment. Dr. Basko was very professional and caring. She understood right away that I was very anxious so she took the time to explain everything and was very thorough with the whole dental treatment I needed.

So far I've gotten a deep cleaning, a few fillings and a crown done by her. I highly recommend her. All the procedures I got done were pain free. Thank you Radiant Smile! I'm so happy I found you guys.
Veronica A.
Mar 11, 2017
Yesterday I had to remove my wisdom teeth. It was a little surgery to remove 2 teeth. Doctor Chen was super professional and multitasking. He was working and calming me from crying at the same time! He is so good! I am writing this review not for professionals working inside but about the first person you meet at the office-the front desk girl. She looked Disheveled. after I payed I had my prescription for 2 different medications and asked her to send it to my pharmacy.

She was supposed to fax it to my pharmacy. When I came to pharmacy the prescription was ready but when I took it, it was only one medication. only one And when I tolled it is supposed to be 2 pharmacist tolled me that they received only one. I was so disappointed I went back home, because I was tired and in pain and I was waiting to my full prescription for 2 more hours! I was in pain. You know it hurts a lot. That girl should know it. I blame her it's completely her fault
Lorena S.
Mar 04, 2017
Dr. Xheni Basko worked on my teeth and did an amazing job! She is careful, attentive, responsive, trustworthy and has a gentle hand! I normally have a lot of anxiety when going to the dentist, but the made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I would trust her with all my dental procedures! Highly recommend her for anyone that's looking for a dentist.
Laurie S.
Jul 31, 2016
First, I have to mention how grateful I am for these reviews. I have been searching for a new Dentist since mine retired. I went to Oak Park Dental since 1995 and I was very happy. I kept going there even though I had to travel 20 miles. Anyway, I was afraid I would never find anyone as trustworthy, but I decided to check out this site. and came across the reviews for Dr. Chen; I am extremely happy to report I plan to permanently keep Dr. Chen as my Dentist.

Work done: Cleaning, X-rays, and a crown. I have no dental insurance but his prices are reasonable and gives a discount for having no insurance, and since I was a new patient I also received a discount on the x-rays and cleaning. An old filling was leaking which needed to be replaced. Dr. Chen gave me the option to replace it with a temp filling which would cost much less but would certainly not last as long as the permanent crown. I chose to go with the crown, and I am extremely happy with the results. My added bonus: he is only minutes away from my office. The staff is also competent and friendly.
Patty H.
Jul 25, 2016
I'm so happy to have found my new dentist in Evanston! This is a smaller office, with a very friendly staff. Everything ran on time, and Dr. Basko was friendly and knowledgeable. She took her time to explain her recommendations and seems to really care about patient health. I have a long-term issue (missing molar that never grew in, which causes some larger issues) and she even came up with possible solutions that other dentists in the past hadn't thought of.

My only complaint was that the assistant who took the x-rays was a little rough. maybe like she was somewhat rushed? She felt bad about it though and seemed to be doing her best. What I loved most is the hours - I was able to schedule an appointment only a week away from when I called, and they were able to fit me in on a Wednesday after work. Special hours are available on Wednesday (until 7:30 p.m.) and they are open on Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A lifesaver for those of us who can't miss much work!
David R.
Jun 21, 2015
I've been seeing Dr Chen for a few years now, for everything from routine checkups to a root canal and a wisdom tooth extraction. Believe me, I wouldn't keep going back if I didn't believe that I was in good hands. I came to Radiant Smile after several years without a dentist after being brutalized by someone whom, in my recollection, I liken to the back-alley plastic surgeon who operated on Jack Napier after he fell into the acid at Axis Chemicals in the 1989 Batman movie. Anyway, I was traumatized and afraid to go to another dentist for all those years.

So I owe Dr Chen a debt of gratitude for showing a big baby in his mid-thirties that you don't have to be skeered of the dentist. Not to mention for a much healthier mouth. The quality of care is good. Dr Chen is pretty low-key, optimistic but honest. He also works very quickly without sacrificing gentleness. He makes recommendations but the respects the patient's choices.

I appreciate that he takes a moment to explain what to expect before, during, and after. After a few visits, I realized that no matter what procedure we were doing, the expectation in my mind was always ten times worse than the reality. So after that point, I trust him to do anything in there. He's really the best all-around dentist that I can recall seeing.

The technicians are good too. Both they and the front desk staff are pretty nice. Once they have your insurance info, if the doctor recommends some work, they will give you an estimate on the spot of which portion will be covered and what costs will come out of pocket. Invariably the estimate is bang-on. You can request an appointment by email and their response is pretty prompt. However, the lead time to get an appointment can be over a month.