Welcome to Lumina Dental

A dentist who knows your name and remembers your story

Meet Dr. Sandra Szef, a compassionate general dentist who earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Originally from Poland, she immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and built her career on a simple belief: going to the dentist should feel like catching up with a friend. Known for her gentle touch and special gift for putting anxious patients at ease, she brings advanced training in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to every patient interaction, whether she's treating kids, grandparents, or anyone in between. A firm believer in lifelong learning and a proud member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Szef stays at the forefront of her field to ensure every patient feels heard, cared for, and proud of their smile.

Dr. Szef opened Lumina Dental in Mundelein because this community feels like home. She's a local, a mom, a tennis player, and someone who genuinely loves connecting with the people around her. She brings that same warmth and curiosity into every patient conversation, because she believes dentistry should feel human, not transactional.

A team and an office that make you feel right at home

At Lumina Dental, everything starts with how the team treats each other. Dr. Szef's practice is built on transparency, mutual respect, and genuine care. This starts with her head dental assistant Evelyn, dental assistant Delmi, and senior patient care coordinator Cecilia. When the team feels good, that energy carries directly into every patient interaction. Patients feel it the moment they walk through the door.

And speaking of walking through the door: the Lumina Dental office was designed to feel like a breath of fresh air. Think modern, bright, and nature-inspired, with earthy greens and warm browns that make the space feel calm and welcoming rather than clinical. The front desk team will greet you by name, make sure your check-in is smooth, and offer you a coffee or water while you get settled. One thing patients notice right away: when it's time to talk about your teeth, you're talking directly with Dr. Szef. No treatment coordinators, no hand-offs. Just a real conversation between you and your doctor, because that's how trust is built.

High-quality care that covers everything you need under one roof

Lumina Dental is a full-service general dentistry practice built around the services that matter most to patients. Preventive care, including regular cleanings, digital x-rays, and oral cancer screenings, is the foundation of everything Dr. Szef does. She uses AI-powered x-ray imaging with Pearl and CBCT technology to catch things early and show patients exactly what she's seeing, so they're never left guessing. When it comes to cosmetic goals, Lumina Dental offers SureSmile clear aligners for a straighter smile and Colgate professional teeth whitening to brighten it up. For patients who need restorative work, Dr. Szef places and restores crowns (including beautiful white zirconia options) and bridges that look and feel completely natural.

The practice also offers dental implants, veneers, periodontal therapy, root canals, extractions, sedation options, and same-day emergency care, so whether patients are coming in for a routine visit or something more urgent, they're covered. And if something falls outside what can be done in-house, Dr. Szef will personally connect patients with a trusted specialist in the area to make sure they get taken care of quickly. That's the Lumina promise: the practice will always find a way to help.

Ready to meet your new dental home? Lumina Dental is waiting for you.

Whether you're due for a cleaning, curious about clear aligners, or just looking for a dental practice that actually listens, Lumina Dental is ready to welcome you. The practice serves patients from Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, and beyond, with convenient weekday and Saturday hours so care fits into real life. Right now, new patients can take advantage of the $179 new patient special, which includes x-rays, a regular cleaning, and a consultation with Dr. Szef. Call (847) 407-1411 or schedule online anytime.