Meet Our Providers
Joseph G. Kunnel, DDS, MS, PhD
Joseph Kunnel, DDS, MS, PhD, is a highly experienced orthodontist who provides excellent patient care at RISUS Orthodontics, which has three convenient locations in Glenview, Northbrook, and Skokie, Illinois.
Dr. Kunnel earned his dental degree at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, where he also completed his residency in advanced general dentistry and earned his Master of Science in Biomaterials. He then went on to the University of Illinois, where he completed specialty training in Orthodontics and earned a master’s in Oral Biology. During that time, he also completed a PhD in Bone Biology at Northwestern University Medical School.
Dr. Kunnel is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He’s also a member of the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the International Association of Dental Research, and the American Association of Orthodontics.
In addition to his clinic work at RISUS Orthodontics, Dr. Kunnel is also active in teaching the next generation of orthodontics. He’s currently an assistant professor at Northwestern University Medical School, and he has spent time teaching at Northwestern University Dental School and in the department of orthodontics at the University of Illinois and Marquette University in Milwaukee. He’s lectured at various national and international conferences of dentists and orthodontists, and he has published many peer-reviewed scientific papers.
Dr. Kunnel’s skills and service have been recognized by numerous organizations. The American Association of Orthodontists honored him with the Orhan C. Tuncay Teaching Fellowship Award and the National Institute of Health gave him the Clinical Scientist Award. He’s also the recipient of the Howard Hughes Award.
When he isn’t treating patients, Dr. Kunnel enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessie, and their children, Theresa, Elizabeth, and George, in their home in Glenview, Illinois. He’s still active with bone biology research, and he likes to read and play tennis.
Dr. Sarah Zaki
Dr. Sarah Zaki grew up in suburban Chicago in Burr Ridge, Illinois. A proud alumnus of the University of Michigan, Dr. Zaki began her educational journey with a Bachelor’s degree, followed by earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. She then pursued orthodontic training at Saint Louis University, where she earned a Master’s degree and a certificate in orthodontics.
A unique blend of art and science, Dr. Zaki found her calling in orthodontics. From the start of her career, Dr. Zaki has been guided by a passion for aesthetics and forming relationships with patients and their families. She brings a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and passion to the field of orthodontics, while also having a little fun along the way. She enjoys learning about and using the latest cutting-edge techniques and personalized care to transform smiles and improve your orthodontic journey.
Beyond her work as an orthodontist, Dr. Zaki loves traveling, exploring vibrant cities, and discovering new restaurants with friends.
Dr. Zaki is excited to welcome you to RISUS Orthodontics and help you achieve a smile you will feel confident in.
