Meet Our Doctors

Park Ridge, IL Periodontist

Dr. Charles C. DiFranco, Jr.

Education:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery – University of Illinois at Chicago 2011
  • Masters of Science in Oral Sciences – University of Illinois at Chicago 2014

Certification:

  • Certification in Specialty of Periodontology 2014
  • Board Certified in Periodontics – American Board of Periodontology 2015
  • Board Certified in Dental Implants – American Board of Periodontology 2015

Memberships:

  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Illinois State Dental Society
  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • Illinois Society of Periodontics
  • Midwest Society of Periodontics
  • Arcolian Dental Arts Society (past president 2020-2021)
  • Dental Lifeline Network (Donated Dental Services)

Growing up, Dr. Chuck “Jr.” was always around his dad’s periodontal practice. He worked at the office as early as high school mailing letters, calling patients, and eventually working beside his dad and aunts as a surgical assistant. That was enough for Dr. Chuck to decide he wanted to go to dental school, and eventually specialize in periodontics. He is especially proud to work and live in the community that he grew up in and cares so much about!

Dr. Chuck is married to his wife Marissa, whom he met at Maine South High School. They have four children and reside in Park Ridge. When not working, he enjoys being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. He also enjoys learning about world history and cultures, traveling, golf, and keeping up with local sports teams.

Dr. Josephine DiFranco-Bordignon

Education:

  • Registered Nurse – Lutheran General Hospital 1986
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery – Loyola University 1990

Certification:

  • Board Certification in Specialty of Periodontology 1992
  • Midwest Implant Institute Graduate

Teaching Experience:

  • Associate Professor Loyola University 1990-1993
  • Assistant Director, OSHA Seminars
  • Assistant Instructor, CPR Certification

Memberships:

  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Illinois State Dental Society
  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • Illinois Society of Periodontics
  • Midwest Society of Periodontics
  • Arcolian Dental Arts Society

Other:

  • Past President & Vice President of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society
  • Member of the Curriculum Development group for Continuing Education Programs for Dental Professionals

Dr. Geri Ann DiFranco

Education:

  • Dental Hygiene School – Loyola University 1981
  • Dental School – Loyola University 1985
  • Periodontal Program – Loyola University 1987
  • Professional Organization Involvement:
  • Loyola University Department of Assistant Professor 1985-1987
  • Loyola University Department of Periodontics Assistant Clinical Professor 1985-1987
  • Orapharma/Johnson & Johnson Professional Speaker 2002-2004

Memberships:

  • American Dental Association
  • Illinois State Dental Society
  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Illinois Society of Periodontists
  • Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity
  • Arcolian Dental Society

Volunteer History:

  • Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped 2002-present
  • Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation Auction Co-Chair 2004
  • Mother’s Day Walk for Community Support Founder 2008-present

Other:

  • Vice-Chairman Present
    • Chairman, Illinois State Board of Dentistry 2010-2011
    • North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners 2004-present
    • American Board of Dental Examiners 2009-present
  • Illinois Delegate for ADEX 2009-2011
  • Communications Committee 2009-2011
  • Examination Committee 2010-2014
    • Commission on Dental Accreditation 2011-2014
  • Commissioner 2011-2014
  • Site Evaluator 2011-present
  • President
    • American Association of Dental Board Examiners 2004-present
    • American College of Dentists 2010

Dr. Sherin Merchant

Education:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery- New York University 2019
  • Bachelor of Science- University of Florida 2014

Certifications:

  • Certification in Specialty of Periodontology- Dental College of Georgia 2022
  • Certificate of Public Health – New York University 2014

Memberships:

  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • American Dental Association
  • Chicago Dental Society

Awards and Scholarships:

  • – First Place award for Outstanding Achievement in Resident Presentation – Dental College of Georgia Table Clinic – 2022
  • Honors in Periodontics – 2018
  • New York University, College of Dentistry
  • Most Impact in Clinical Research – 2014
  • American Academy of Periodontology

Volunteer History:

  • Marshal for NYUCD Oral Cancer Walk – 2017
  • New York University, College of Dentistry

Dr. Merchant enjoys traveling with her fiancé, listening to mystery podcasts, and cooking. She’s fluent in Hindi and has been to 15 countries and counting