Meet the Doctors
Meet the Doctors
Rose Elapunkal, DMD
Quote about Dentistry: “Life is short, smile while you still have teeth!”
Education Detail: Midwestern University
Continuing Education Courses and/or Professional Memberships: Invisalign Certified. Member of American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honorary Society
Lifestyle and Hobbies: Travelling and spending time with friends and family, especially her nephews and nieces
Dr. Viraj Ketkar, DDS
Dr. Viraj Ketkar is a highly skilled family and cosmetic dentist at Family First Dental, known for his precision, attention to detail, and patient-centered approach to care. He is committed to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through comprehensive, advanced, and aesthetic dentistry.
Originally raised in India, Dr. Viraj built his professional journey through discipline, focus, and a dedication to excellence. He earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he developed a strong clinical foundation and a deep appreciation for thoughtful, individualized treatment planning.
Dr. Viraj provides comprehensive dental care, including preventive dentistry, restorative treatments, and cosmetic procedures. He is especially drawn to advanced and aesthetic dentistry, valuing craftsmanship, accuracy, and long-term results. His approach ensures patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their care decisions.
For Dr. Viraj, dentistry goes beyond treating teeth—it’s about restoring function, enhancing confidence, and building lasting trust with patients and families. He believes clear communication and personalized care are essential to creating positive dental experiences.
Outside the dental office, Dr. Viraj enjoys motorcycling and aviation. He hopes to fly planes recreationally, a passion that reflects his appreciation for precision, focus, and continuous growth.
His personal and professional philosophy is guided by one simple principle:
“Keep an attitude of gratitude."
Yahya Atassi, DDS, MS
Dr. Yahya Atassi, DDS, MS is a highly trained Specialist in Periodontics and Implant Surgery dedicated to delivering advanced, patient-centered periodontal care. With over eight years of experience in dentistry — including more than three years focused exclusively on periodontics — Dr. Atassi provides precise, evidence-based treatment designed to support long-term oral health, function, and esthetic excellence.
After earning his dental degree in 2018, Dr. Atassi pursued advanced specialty training in Periodontics in Buffalo, New York, completing his residency in 2023. During his residency, he conducted a clinical research thesis titled, “Clinical Trial of the Efficacy of Pinhole Surgical Technique Compared to Connective Tissue Graft in Treatment of Gingival Recession – Patient Reported Outcomes.” His research reflects a strong commitment to minimally invasive periodontal techniques, patient comfort, and measurable clinical outcomes.
Dr. Atassi provides comprehensive periodontal and implant care, including gum disease (periodontal disease) treatment, dental implant placement, gum grafting for gingival recession, regenerative periodontal procedures, esthetic soft tissue surgery, and minimally invasive periodontal surgery. He combines advanced surgical expertise with modern techniques to help patients restore healthy gums, replace missing teeth with dental implants, and achieve confident, natural-looking smiles.
What truly distinguishes Dr. Atassi is his philosophy that every patient deserves time, attention, and thoughtful communication. He prioritizes education and collaborative treatment planning so patients clearly understand their options and feel confident in every step of their care. For Dr. Atassi, the greatest professional reward is seeing patients regain comfort and smile with renewed confidence after treatment.
Outside the office, Dr. Atassi values time with his family and enjoys swimming, scuba diving, and horseback riding — pursuits that reflect the focus, balance, and dedication he brings to his clinical practice. He looks forward to helping patients achieve lasting periodontal health and exceptional, beautiful results.