The Smile Connection

April 2026

Famed country music legend Kenny Rogers ("The Gambler") has been quoted as saying, "There are only three things you need in life to be happy";

1. "Someone to love", Sally and I will celebrate our 56th anniversary August 1, 2026. I have an extended family, and thousands of patients with whom I share affection.

2. "Something to do", Dentistry keeps me quite busy, and quite happy, and

3. "Something to look forward to." Special Smiles Foundation is my recent "thing". I am excited to see how quickly it has caught the attention of others and look forward to seeing it grow.

Role models are important for everyone. Yet, it is often believed that role models are something for young people; at least those younger than me. However, I have a role model. Recently I learned from Guinness World Records as the world's oldest practicing dentist, continuing to treat patients at 101 years old. Born in 1924, he has practiced dentistry for more than eight decades, caring for multiple generations of families. Dr. Watanabe believed that staying active and continuing meaningful work were keys to longevity.

Rather than retiring, he remained committed to serving his patients and community. His remarkable career stands as a testament to dedication, purpose, and the lifelong satisfaction that can come from helping others maintain their health and smiles. Dentistry, for him, was never just a job, it was a calling.

I have now served patients for more than five decades, caring for as many as five generations of families. So, if Dr. Watanabe is any indication, I may still have another three decades ahead of me. If you are reading this as a patient, rest assured, I am not going anywhere anytime soon. I still have much to accomplish and continue to find tremendous enjoyment in my profession. Unlike many dentists today, I remain independent, free from the constraints of corporate bosses and the growing influence of dental conglomerates.

That independence allows me the luxury of treating patients the way I believe is best: based on their needs, not the directives of distant governing bodies. That is something Dr. Watanabe and I clearly share... the value of independence.

If you are reading this and are not currently a patient, I encourage you to call and schedule an appointment. And for those of you who are already part of our dental family, please feel free to refer friends and loved ones who may need care. There isn't another dentist who will outwork me, and few who will care more deeply about their patients. The light is still on, the shingle still hangs outside my door at 6943 W. North Avenue, and the desire to help people achieve better health and brighter smiles burns just as strongly as ever.

They say it can be dangerous to meet your heroes; you might walk away disappointed. I suppose there's some truth to that. Dr. Watanabe would fall into the "Something to look forward to" category for me. I would welcome the opportunity to meet him. Somehow, I doubt meeting him would bring any disappointment at all.

Dr. James Scapillato

4th Annual Special Needs Day of Dentistry

Our 4th Annual Special Needs Day of Dentistry was once again a day filled with the kind of moments that remind us why I chose this profession in the first place. Each year the event grows in participation and impact, and this year was no exception.

Days like this do not happen without the dedication of my incredible team; Dania, Ivone, Wendy, and Dani. I can't thank them enough for everything they do before, during, and after the event. If you visited that day and you saw all the amazing decorations, it was on account of them. Their preparation, patience, and genuine care for every patient made the day run smoothly and ensured that everyone felt welcomed and respected.

A special shout-out also goes to Courtney Buczek and Ultradent for their generous support and participation. Their commitment to this mission will help make it possible for us to continue expanding access to care for special needs patients. Partnerships like this are essential in helping us serve our community in meaningful ways.

Events like Special Needs Day of Dentistry are powerful reminders that dentistry is about far more than teeth, it's about people, dignity, and making sure everyone has access to the care they deserve. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's event another success.

A Message from Your Toothbrush

Now, I understand. Life is busy. Running to the store for a toothbrush isn't exactly at the top of your adventure list. If it were, you and I wouldn't still be together right now. Which gives me an idea.

What if Dr. Scapillato simply sent you a fresh toothbrush every month or two? Imagine it, one day you open your mailbox and there it is... my younger, stronger replacement ready to take over the job. I could retire with dignity knowing the next generation is protecting your smile.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy our time together. But like any hardworking toothbrush, I eventually wear out. And when I do, your teeth deserve a fresh recruit.

So next time you notice my bristles looking a little tired, remember: replacing me every few months is part of keeping that smile healthy.

Until then... See you in the morning.

Introducing The Oak Park Community Social

Over the past year we have organized several small pop-up gatherings centered around Ayanna's Aroma of Hope candle company. What began as a way to honor Ayanna and support the work she started quickly became something more. Patients enjoyed the events so much that we decided to expand the idea into something larger we now call The Oak Park Community Social.

Growing up, I remember families gathering for neighborhood block parties and neighbors simply getting together. Today, many of us are busier than ever and more connected to our phones than to the people down the street. We believe there is still great value in creating opportunities for people to meet face to face, share a conversation, and enjoy one another's company.

The Oak Park Community Social is our way of opening the doors and bringing people together again. There is no formal agenda, just a chance for neighbors, friends, and families to gather. Guests can enjoy pastries, coffee, and tea while catching up with others in the community. My team always adds their own special touch, often bringing unique treats and some wonderfully creative themed decorations that make each gathering feel festive and welcoming.

In the spirit of transparency, we will also feature some wonderful products, including Ayanna's Aroma of Hope candles, and any proceeds will be donated to our Special Smiles Foundation to support dental care for patients with special needs.

Oak Park has always been a remarkable community built on relationships, service, and neighbors looking out for one another. The Oak Park Community Social is our small way of helping keep that spirit alive. We hope you will bring a friend, and spend a little time visiting with your neighbors.

Our next get together will be Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. Be sure to mark your calendar. I hope you'll spread the word to friends and family, and that you'll all join us for a morning together.

Join us Saturday, May 16 from 9am to 2pm

Celebrating with Patients at a Distance

Each year on February 12, Ron Sheetz and I take a moment to commemorate the night he first met Ayanna, unexpectedly and from a distance, under circumstances neither of us could have planned.

You may have seen Ron around the practice, but you have certainly seen his work. He has been instrumental in helping me with our marketing and advertising.

Back in 2020, I was in Cleveland filming a video for the practice when a sudden snowstorm disrupted everything. My flight out of Cleveland was cancelled, so Ron drove me about 45 miles to Akron-Canton Airport in hopes of getting me home. When we arrived, I was told all flights to Chicago were cancelled, except, ironically, my original flight out of Cleveland was available.

So, back to Hopkins Airport we went. With time to spare, we stopped at Olive Garden for dinner, and that is where Ron first met Ayanna by phone. As they say, the rest is history.

Since then, we mark the occasion each year with a shared dinner at Olive Garden, each of us in our own city, but connected by that memorable night. This year, Sally joined me, while Anne and Olivia joined Ron.

All three are patients of the practice and make the trip from Cleveland to Chicago at least twice a year for their visits.