About Us
Welcome to Lumina Dental, where gentle meets kind
A dental practice built on connection, clarity, and care
At Lumina Dental in Mundelein, we believe great dentistry starts with great relationships. Our team is here to deliver high-quality care in a modern, welcoming space, with the trust and transparency you deserve at every appointment. From your very first visit, our goal is simple: to be the practice you tell everyone you know about.
Get to know
Dr. Sandra Szef
Meet Dr. Sandra Szef, a compassionate clinician who believes going to the dentist should feel as comfortable as catching up with a friend. Dr. Szef earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, following her undergraduate and master’s studies right here in Chicago. Originally from Poland, she moved to the U.S. as a teenager, eventually blending her love for science, hands-on artistry, and helping others into a career in dentistry.
Known for her gentle touch, Dr. Szef has a special gift for helping patients with dental anxiety feel completely at ease. Whether she is treating kids, grandparents, or anyone in between, her goal is always the same: to make sure you feel heard, cared for, and proud of your smile. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Dr. Szef stays at the forefront of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry through advanced continuing education. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association (ADA).
When she’s not transforming smiles, you can find Dr. Szef getting creative in the kitchen with new recipes, tending to her garden, or chasing adventure outdoors—whether that means hitting a scenic hiking trail or kitesurfing on coastal waters!
The heart behind the care
A team that genuinely cares about you
From the moment you walk through our doors, our team is here to make sure you feel welcomed, at ease, and well taken care of. Each member of the Lumina Dental team shares the same commitment to relationship-first care that Dr. Szef built this practice on. You will always be greeted with a warm smile, a helping hand, and maybe even a cup of coffee.
What to expect
Your first visit at Lumina Dental
We know that walking into a new dental office can feel uncertain, so we have designed every step of your first visit to feel easy and welcoming. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, our team is focused on making sure you feel informed, comfortable, and genuinely glad you came in. We will walk you through what we find, explain your options clearly, and help you build a plan that works for you, without any pressure.
Patient Experience
You will be greeted at the front desk by a team member who will help you get checked in and make sure your paperwork is complete. From there, you’re welcome to enjoy a coffee or water while you settle in, and we’ll offer you a comfort menu so you can customize your experience: choose from pillows, blankets, an eye mask, headphones, and music or Netflix to help you relax during your visit. Dr. Szef will then sit down with you personally to get to know you, review your AI x-rays together, and talk through what she finds and what your long-term options look like. If treatment can be completed the same day, we will take care of it. If not, we will get you scheduled for the next available appointment and set up your recall visits before you leave, so nothing falls through the cracks. Before you go, we’ll send you home with a complimentary dental amenity kit so you can take great care of your new smile.
What to Bring
To make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bring the following:
Modern technology and a space designed to put you at ease
Lumina Dental was built from the ground up to feel different from the moment you walk in. Our bright, nature-inspired office pairs earthy, calming design with advanced diagnostic technology, so you get a premium experience that also gives Dr. Szef the clearest possible picture of your oral health. High-quality care and a comfortable environment are not an either/or here.
CBCT imaging
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) gives Dr. Szef a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures that a standard X-ray simply cannot provide. This level of precision supports more accurate diagnoses and better-informed treatment decisions, so you can feel confident that your care plan is built on a complete picture of your health.
AI x-rays
Lumina Dental uses Pearl, an artificial intelligence platform that analyzes your digital X-rays to help identify concerns with greater accuracy and consistency. Dr. Szef reviews these images with you directly, walking you through exactly what she sees in clear, straightforward language. It is one more way we bring transparency and trust into every appointment.
A welcoming, nature-inspired office
Our office was designed to feel calm, bright, and genuinely inviting, with earthy green and brown tones, upgraded finishes, and plenty of natural light. Whether you are here for a routine cleaning or something more involved, the space is meant to put you at ease from the moment you arrive. Complimentary coffee and beverages are always on hand, because the little things matter too.
Proud to be part of the communities we serve
Rooted in Mundelein, invested in our neighbors
At Lumina Dental, community is not just a talking point. It is the reason this practice exists. Dr. Szef and the team are active partners with D73 School District, the Ice Dogs Hockey Club, and Mundelein Lions Soccer, because we believe that showing up for the families in our community is just as important as showing up for them in the dental chair. When the people around us thrive, we all do, and we are proud to play a small part in that.
