At Shine Pediatric Dentistry, we consider it a privilege to work with children and love helping them learn to feel relaxed at the dentist. We practice pediatric dentistry in a way that is gentle, instructive, and inviting, and we work hard each day to help our young patients learn the SHINE principles.
We understand that children have different dental needs than adults, and our caring dentist, Dr. Lynse Briney, has years of experience working specifically with pediatric dental patients. She understands how to communicate with children in a way that makes sense to them and helps them want to become more involved in their dental care. We have made it our mission to help children all across Downers Grove discover what it means to truly be their brightest selves.
We invite you to spend some time getting to know our dental team by reading our bios below.
Dr. Lynse Briney
Dr. Lynse Briney is excited to be opening Shine Pediatric Dentistry and to serve the Downers Grove Community. Having her very own pediatric dental practice is a dream come true for Dr. Briney, as it means she will get to improve the lives of children each and every day!
Dr. Briney grew up in central Illinois and received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University. She then went on to receive her D.D.S. degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 2005. Dr. Briney knew early on in her dental career that she loved working with children, so she returned to the University of Illinois at Chicago for a Pediatric Dental Residency from 2009 to 2011 and concurrently completed a Masters of Science program in Oral Biology. Dr. Briney worked hard to receive a great dental education that would benefit her patients for years to come. Dr. Briney is even the first college graduate in her family!
During her time as a dentist, Dr. Briney has served many different communities throughout the Chicago area. She has worked in a variety of professional dental capacities, including as Oral Health Director of a nonprofit organization. Dr. Briney has completed clinical residency rotations in all dental specialities and has had the opportunity to treat low-income and special needs dental patients. Now, Dr. Briney is thrilled to be able to work directly in her own personal community! Dr. Briney’s husband grew up in Downers Grove, and her two young boys will attend Downers Grove North.
Dr. Briney has chosen to focus specifically on pediatric dentistry. She absolutely loves working with kids and considers it a privilege to help change children’s minds about going to the dentist. Dr. Briney encourages every one of her pediatric patients to be their "brightest self" and wants to help keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.
Dr. Briney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the Illinois State Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, the American Dental Society, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Briney is also affiliated with Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Dr. Briney regularly continues her dental education through advanced training in new dental specialties such as tooth-colored pediatric crowns and new treatments aimed at preventing the advancement of cavities. Dr. Briney’s main goal is always to provide her pediatric dental patients with the best in dental care. She has committed herself to a lifetime of learning more about her specialty.
When she is not working, Dr. Briney can be found gardening, cooking, or traveling with her husband and two young boys. Dr. Briney is truly thrilled to welcome you to Shine Pediatric Dentistry!
Dr. Lexi Nash
Karen M.
Office Manager
Hometown: Chicago, IL
The first job you ever had: Panera Bread
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: My decision to join the Dental Field was driven by my passion to help others. When I was 18, my Orthodontist offered me a position as a front desk receptionist, and that ignited my desire to grow my administrative skills. Knowing that I can help provide quality dental care for all our patients is what keeps motivated.
Hobbies and Interests: Interior design and traveling.
What is something people don’t know about you? I have a twin brother
What is your favorite food? Italian
Dennice A.
Front Desk Receptionist
Hometown: Addison, IL
The first job you ever had: Dental assistant
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: Because you’re always learning, helping others with their oral health and you make them happy
Hobbies and Interests:I enjoy drawing. In the summer I like to play volleyball or tennis with my family and enjoy trying new food / restaurants around Chicago
What is something people don’t know about you? I’ve run the Hot Chocolate Marathon 3 times.
What is your favorite food? Depends on the day: burgers, seafood, pizza, wings, Mexican food.
Diana G.
Front Desk Receptionist
Hometown: Franklin Park
The first job you ever had: Mr. Submarine
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: I've always had an interest in the human body and the functions of it. I thought it would be great to learn about the mouth and how our oral hygiene can possibly affect the rest of our body.
Hobbies and Interests: I like to try new recipes, love to read romance novels and go for walks with my dogs.
What is something people don’t know about you? I can only watch scary movies or shows early in the day, and will not watch them after sundown. (lol)
What is your favorite food? My favorite food is Pizza!
Laura D.
Outreach Coordinator
Hometown: Villavicencio, Colombia.
The first job you ever had: Chess Instructor
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: Because I love art! I love using my hands to create things and I feel this is a very important and necessary skill to work in dentistry. We fabricate smiles!
Hobbies and Interests: Traveling, crafts, art, painting, outdoor hikes/walking and reading.
What is something people don’t know about you? I played chess for 7 years.
What is your favorite food? Colombian, Italian and Japanese
Lupe T.
Dental Assistant
Hometown: Melrose Park, IL
The first job you ever had: Worked for an Anesthesiologist
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: To learn how to maintain good oral health not only for my kids but for me as well.
Hobbies and Interests: I love sports! Love watching my boys play baseball and basketball. I also enjoy running and traveling.
What is something people don’t know about you? I coached a high school volleyball team for the first time this year, and also participated in a beauty pageant and I won!
What is your favorite food? Anything that has seafood!
Kate B.
Dental assistant
Hometown: Lyons, IL
The first job you ever had: TJ Maxx
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: I wanted to do something that included helping make physical changes to others. I want to see people happy as they leave their appointments.
Hobbies and Interests: I like going to the gym and painting
What is something people don’t know about you? Right off the bat, people don’t know I’m at twin and that I’m left-handed
What is your favorite food? Besides Mexican food of course, I love pasta! But if I’m eating fast food, then Chick-fil-A
Diana R.
Dental Assistant
Hometown: Addison, IL
The first job you ever had: Perfume shop
Why did you decide to join the Dental Field: It seemed like something I would enjoy and sure enough I do, I love what I do. There’s room for learning new things every day!
Hobbies and Interests:I like to read books and travel in my free time. I enjoy the outdoors.
What is something people don’t know about you? In the future I plan to move to a warmer State.
What is your favorite food? I like to try new dishes, but my go to would be Mexican food.