Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry has served countless families in our 65-year run—with many more to come! We want to tell you all about why Dr. Susan Blair and Dr. Nick Riccio are Hinsdale’s most trusted dual orthodontic and pediatric dental providers and why you should choose us.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Susan Blair: Expertise in Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Blair pursued her dental education at the University of Oklahoma, where she discovered her love for pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Dr. Blair then completed a two-year pediatric dentistry residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, refining her skills in facial growth and development. Her commitment to mastering long-term treatment planning led her to complete an additional three-year orthodontic residency at Montefiore, where she honed her expertise in braces, Clear Aligner Therapy, and facial aesthetics.
Dr. Nick Riccio: A Patient-First Approach to Orthodontics
At Haverford College, Dr. Riccio developed a passion for direct patient care and lifelong learning through his work in genetic research at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, he continued his journey with an intensive three-year orthodontic residency focused on full-time clinical care. Dr. Riccio specializes in Damon™ braces, Clear Aligner Therapy, and 3D imaging, focused on creating a comfortable, efficient experience for his patients.
Dr. Blair and Dr. Riccio are both professional and life partners and each holds board certifications, which is an important testament to their commitment to excellence—secured by less than a third of orthodontists nationwide:
- The American Board of Orthodontics (Both Board-Certified Orthodontists)
- The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (Dr. Blair – Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist)
With their combined expertise, they provide tailored treatment to children, teenagers, and adults, resulting in extraordinary, lifetime results.
The Perfect Pediatric Option
Dr. Blair’s experience in pediatric dentistry comes from a desire to help enrich the lives of children, which is why Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry offers extensive options for kids’ dentistry, including:
- Routine Exams & Professional Cleanings to maintain optimal oral health.
- Preventative Treatments like fluoride applications and sealants to protect against cavities.
- Gentle Restorative Care, including tooth-colored fillings and crowns to repair decayed or damaged teeth.
- Customized Mouth Guards to protect growing smiles during sports and nighttime grinding.
- Sedation & Hospital Dentistry options for children who need extra care and comfort.
- Special Needs Dentistry to make sure all children receive the individualized attention they deserve.

Family-Owned vs. Corporate: A Clear Contrast
In most cases, when potential patients are searching for treatment options, they’ll come across orthodontic and dental chain offices in their online search. We want to take a moment to explain why choosing an independent family practice like ours is so vital to the quality of your experience.
- Community Engagement:
- Family-Owned Offices: We are deeply rooted in our local community and understand the needs of its residents. Our reputation is built on long-term, multi-generational relationships with families and patients, fostering a genuine sense of trust.
- Corporate Chains: Corporate practices often lack local community ties, as their focus is on expansion and profitability rather than community engagement. You will likely feel like just another number instead of a valued individual.
- Pricing, Insurance, & Payment Plans:
- Family-Owned Offices: We go out of our way to make sure that no patient is turned away on a financial basis. We offer flexible payment plans, customized financial options, and a transparent cost structure for all patients. Our team works on your behalf with insurance claims and will always let you know the best route to take for financing.
- Corporate Chains: Some corporate offices advertise lower upfront costs, but hidden fees and aggressive sales tactics can lead to higher overall costs. Their payment plans can be more rigid, and insurance handling can be more complicated and impersonal.
- Emergency Care and Flexibility
- Family-Owned Offices: Since our doctors personally oversee each patient’s treatment, they are more accessible for urgent issues like broken braces, wire discomfort, or other more serious emergencies. We’re also as flexible as possible with scheduling and patient needs.
- Corporate Chains: Emergency visits may require waiting longer or seeing an unfamiliar doctor. Scheduling is often based on corporate guidelines rather than individual patient needs, and there’s always a high chance you won’t see the same provider in every appointment.

A Higher Standard of Care
We’ll be honest—we don’t accept anything less than the very best treatment for our patients. Every step of your orthodontic treatment or your family member’s treatment is carefully considered. If you’ve been considering treatment in the Hinsdale area, the Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry team would genuinely love to get to meet you for a free consultation.