About Our Doctors

Dr. Joseph Gradowski

Dr. Joseph Gradowski has worked and lived in the Orland Park community for over 20 years. A 1987 graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, Dr. Joe proudly offers Silver Lake Family Dental patients leading edge dental care. Through extensive continuing education and active membership in the Chicago Dental Society, the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry, his enthusiasm for his life’s work and his patients has only grown. In 2009, Dr. Gradowski merged his Silver Lake Dental practice with his long-term friend and colleague Dr. Philip Schefke’s Ravina Point Dental to create the newly named Silver Lake Family Dental. On a personal note, he and his wife, Dona, call Orland Park home and are raising their two children, Jimmy and Gianna, here. An avid Chicago Bears, Bulls and White Sox fan, Dr. Joe enjoys boating, fishing and bicycling.

Dr. Philip Schefke

Dr. Philip Schefke’s passion for dentistry extends not only to his patients but to all the members of the dental community. He currently serves on The Board of Directors for Chicago Dental Society and represents the South Suburban Branch. The Chicago Dental Society is the largest component society of the American Dental Association. Established in 1864, the Chicago Dental Society serves more than 4100 members. Dr. Phil is a past President of the South Suburban Branch of the CDS. Dr. Schefke also earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry in 1987 and he has enjoyed his own successful dental practice (Ravinia Point Dental). In addition, Dr. Schefke is a skilled clinician and a valued member of the Chicago Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Illinois State Dental Society. A lifelong Sox fan, Dr. Phil and his wife, Karen, along with their three children, Claudia, Madeline and Luke, reside in Hinsdale.

Dr. Victoriano Avila

Dr. Victoriano Avila joined Silver Lake Family Dental in 2009. Dr. Victor completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2007 from the University of Illinois-Chicago. While attending UIC, Dr. Avila was honored with the Outstanding Operative Dentistry Award, which recognizes superior student achievement. Dr. Victor also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. A member of Chicago Dental Society, The American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Victor is always advancing his clinical skills. He developed a special interest in enhancing patient’s smiles after having the privilege of working for the Hornbrook Institute, which provides specialized training to dentists in many of the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry. And, although he practices in the thick of White Sox country alongside two huge Sox fans, Dr. Victor proudly admits he is a Chicago Cubs fan.

Dr. John Canning

Dr. John Canning is the newest member of our practice. Although Dr. Canning has only been a member of our team for a short time, he’s been a part of this practice since 1999…as a patient! Dr. Canning was born and raised in Palos Heights, attending Marist High School before moving on to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where he earned Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He continued his education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he achieved his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Canning’s education didn’t end after graduation from UIC. He currently maintains memberships in the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society and the Illinois State Dental Society. He looks forward to furthering his skills even more, while providing you with the best care possible.