Dr. Charles C. DiFranco, Jr.
Dr. Chuck DiFranco “Jr.” developed a passion for dentistry early on while spending time at his father’s periodontal practice. From high school days spent mailing letters and calling patients to eventually assisting in surgeries alongside his dad and aunts, those early experiences inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry and specialize in periodontics.
Dr. DiFranco is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, American Academy of Periodontology, Illinois Society of Periodontics, Midwest Society of Periodontics, and the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, where he served as president from 2020 to 2021. He also volunteers with Dental Lifeline Network through its Donated Dental Services program.
Deeply rooted in the Park Ridge community where he was raised, Dr. Chuck is proud to live and practice in the area he calls home. He and his wife, Marissa—his high school sweetheart from Maine South High School—have four children. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active with friends and family, traveling, learning about world history and different cultures, playing golf, and cheering on local sports teams.
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
UIC College of Dentistry, 2011 - Advanced Specialty Training in Periodontics
Periodontics residency and certificate, UIC College of Dentistry, 2014 - Master of Science
University of Illinois Chicago, 2014 - Board Certification
Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology since 2015 - Implant Surgery Experience
14 years of experience performing dental implant surgery - Implant Experience
More than 4,000 dental implants placed - Advanced Implant Education
Hundreds of hours of implant-related continuing education - Advanced Procedures
Dynamic and static guided implant surgery, complex bone grafting, full-arch treatment, sinus augmentation, implant repair, and SMART bone grafting
Dr. Josephine DiFranco-Bordignon
Dr. Josephine DiFranco-Bordignon began her professional journey as a Registered Nurse, graduating from Lutheran General Hospital in 1986. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University in 1990 and became board-certified in the specialty of periodontology in 1992. She is also a graduate of the Midwest Implant Institute, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advanced clinical training.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Josie DiFranco-Bordignon has extensive teaching experience. She served as an Associate Professor at Loyola University from 1990 to 1993, and has held roles as Assistant Director for OSHA seminars and as an instructor for CPR certification. Her dedication to dental education continues through her involvement in curriculum development for continuing education programs for dental professionals.
Dr. Josie is an active member of several respected professional organizations, including the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, American Academy of Periodontology, Illinois Society of Periodontics, Midwest Society of Periodontics, and the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, where she has served as both President and Vice President.
Through a career grounded in clinical excellence, education, and leadership, Dr. DiFranco-Bordignon continues to provide exceptional periodontal care and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of the dental profession.
Dr. Lauren Allegretti
Dr. Lauren Allegretti was born and raised in Park Ridge, IL. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Spanish, graduating Bronze Tablet.
Dr. Allegretti then continued her education at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and received her DDS degree. She had an interest in endodontics throughout dental school and received awards for both clinical and academic excellence. Dr. Allegretti returned to University of Illinois at Chicago to obtain her Masters of Oral Sciences degree and her Certificate of Specialty in Endodontics. She currently maintains a position as clinical assistant professor at the UIC Dental school through the department of endodontics.
Dr. Allegretti is an active member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American Association of Endodontists, and Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club. She achieved board certification becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics in the Fall of 2020.
Susan DiFranco, MSN, RN – Esthetics Nurse Injector
Susan DiFranco, MSN, RN, is a highly experienced Registered Nurse and esthetics injector at DiFranco Dental Specialists in Park Ridge, Illinois. With advanced training and a gentle, patient-centered approach, Susan specializes in facial esthetic treatments—including Botox® injections and the practice’s signature Bio‑LIFT® therapy—to enhance natural beauty and restore confidence.
In collaboration with Dr. Chuck DiFranco, Susan plays a key role in administering the minimally invasive Bio‑LIFT® Signature Treatment, an innovative protocol designed to lift, smooth, and rejuvenate facial contours with exceptional precision and results. Whether targeting fine lines, wrinkles, or volume loss, Susan creates customized treatment plans tailored to each client’s facial anatomy and esthetic goals.
Renowned for her compassionate demeanor and sincere dedication to patient well‑being, she puts clients at ease by educating them throughout the treatment journey—from initial consultation to post‑care, with the goal of ensuring safe, natural-looking enhancements.
Highlights
Credentials: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN), Registered Nurse (RN)
Specialties: Botox®, Bio‑LIFT® Signature Treatment, facial esthetics
Approach: Personalized care and education, natural-looking results
Dr. Christopher Matesi
Consulting Radiologist
Dr. Christopher Matesi serves as the Consulting Oral & Maxillofacial Radiologist for DiFranco Dental Specialists, providing expert interpretation of all CBCT imaging used in our periodontal and endodontic treatment planning. His advanced training and clinical experience allow our team to deliver an exceptional level of diagnostic accuracy, surgical precision, and patient safety.
Originally from Chicago, Dr. Matesi earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry in 2012. He practiced general dentistry for seven years with experience in endodontics, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics. Through this work, he developed a passion for diagnostics, technology, and advanced treatment planning—interests that ultimately led him to pursue specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
In 2019, Dr. Matesi began his radiology residency at the University of Florida, where he was selected as Chief Resident during his PGY-2 year. He completed his specialty training in 2021 and founded Dental Imaging Diagnostics, a radiology practice dedicated to providing high-quality, clinically relevant imaging reports.
At DiFranco Dental Specialists, Dr. Matesi delivers customized CBCT interpretations that highlight key findings essential for periodontal surgery, endodontic microsurgery, implant planning, and comprehensive restorative care. His reports blend academic precision with practical clinical insight, helping our doctors evaluate anatomy, pathology, bone quality, root morphology, and surgical risks with confidence.
Through this partnership, our practice is able to offer a level of diagnostic thoroughness that elevates the safety, predictability, and overall quality of care for our patients and referring providers.
Dr. Geri Ann DiFranco
Dr. Geri Ann DiFranco may have retired from practice, but her passion for community care remains steadfast. She continues to make a meaningful impact through volunteer work and her lasting influence on the field of periodontics.
Dr. DiFranco, practiced at DiFranco Dental Specialists for over 30 years. A Loyola University graduate, she earned her credentials in dental hygiene, dentistry, and periodontics, completing all her training by 1987.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. DiFranco served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loyola University and was a professional speaker for Orapharma/Johnson & Johnson. She was deeply involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Illinois Society of Periodontists, and Chicago Dental Society.
Her leadership roles included serving as Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Dentistry and President of the American Association of Dental Board Examiners, leaving an enduring legacy in dentistry and community advocacy.
