Two treatment rooms at Northbrook Dental Group, their windows looking onto a planted courtyard.
Rated 5.0 on Google · 175+ Google reviews

Father and son. One office on Shermer Road.

Dr. James Woodruff has practised dentistry for more than thirty years. His son, Dr. Justin Woodruff, practises beside him. Between them they handle nearly everything under one roof in Northbrook, implant surgery included.

Request an Appointment (847) 272-0049
Dr. James Woodruff 30,000+

dental surgeries performed, and more than 1,000 hours of continuing education behind them.

Memberships, recognition and training held by our dentists

American Academy of Cosmetic DentistryBoth dentists are membersCastle ConnollyTop Dentist, Dr. JamesAmerica’s Best DentistsNational Consumer Advisory BoardHiossen Implant Masters CourseCompleted, Dr. JustinADA · ISDS · Chicago Dental SocietyMember societies
The waiting room at Northbrook Dental Group, with its tall garden window.
A treatment room at Northbrook Dental Group looking onto the courtyard.

Our story

After more than thirty years of dentistry, Dr. James Woodruff moved to Northbrook for two reasons: to practise beside his son, and to live closer to his granddaughter. Dr. Justin calls him his lifelong mentor. Now they share one office on Shermer Road.

Some of the team have been at this practice even longer than that. Donna since 1988, Sue since 1997.

The waiting room at Northbrook Dental Group, with a window onto the garden.
A treatment room with a ceiling-mounted screen and a courtyard window.
Waiting room chairs beneath a framed birch-tree print.
A treatment room with a living moss panel on the wall.
A 3-D cone beam scan used to plan dental implants, on a monitor in the office.
The waiting room seating and its tall garden windows.
A single treatment room looking out onto the courtyard garden.
Shermer Road in Northbrook from above, from the practice's office tour video.
The waiting room at Northbrook Dental Group, with a window onto the garden.
A treatment room with a ceiling-mounted screen and a courtyard window.
Waiting room chairs beneath a framed birch-tree print.
A treatment room with a living moss panel on the wall.
A 3-D cone beam scan used to plan dental implants, on a monitor in the office.
The waiting room seating and its tall garden windows.
A single treatment room looking out onto the courtyard garden.
Shermer Road in Northbrook from above, from the practice's office tour video.

Since 1984

A practice older than the partnership.

The Woodruffs are the newest chapter of a Northbrook practice that has been looking after families for four decades, and much of the team that did it is still here.

  1. 1984

    A Northbrook practice opens

    Dr. David Fernitz starts the general practice that became this one. He ran it for more than thirty years.

  2. 1988

    Donna arrives, James graduates

    Donna joins the practice as a hygienist in October. The same year Dr. James Woodruff earns his DDS in Kansas City.

  3. 1997

    Sue joins

    Part-time at first, full-time from 2007. She still works chairside, and likes learning the newest technology.

  4. 2010

    Erin joins

    First as a full-time assistant, now part-time at the front desk. Gina, another assistant turned receptionist, follows in 2017.

  5. 2019

    Dr. James teaches

    Adjunct Instructor in Comprehensive Dentistry at the University of Louisville, until 2022. His son’s own dental school.

  6. 2022

    Father and son take over

    By January the practice carries the Woodruff name. The team stays, and so does the phone number.

Meet the dentists

A father, his son, and one way of working.

Dr. James studied at Baylor and Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Justin studied at Dayton and Louisville, the school where his father also taught. Both are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. James Woodruff, DDS, of Northbrook Dental Group.
Dentist · 30+ years in practice

Dr. James Woodruff, DDS

More than thirty years of comprehensive dentistry, with advanced training in implant surgery, implant restoration and cosmetic work. He moved to Northbrook to practise beside his son and be closer to his granddaughter. Off duty: basketball, tennis and the gym.

  • 30,000+dental surgeries
  • 1,000+hours of continuing education
  • 2019–22adjunct instructor, U of Louisville
  • AACDcosmetic academy member

Baylor University · DDS, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Dr. Justin Woodruff, DMD, of Northbrook Dental Group.
Dentist · Dr. James’s son

Dr. Justin Woodruff, DMD

Works alongside his dad and lifelong mentor, and loves solving problems for good. Patients are grateful for his gentle approach and painless injections. Off duty: travel, weightlifting, and runs along Lake Michigan.

  • Hiossenimplant masters course
  • DMDUniversity of Louisville
  • AACDcosmetic academy member
  • 5.0on Healthgrades

University of Dayton · DMD, University of Louisville

And the people who know your name.

Most of the team have more than a decade in dentistry. Sandy has been a hygienist on the North Shore since 1980; Donna has been with this practice since 1988.

Sandy, registered dental hygienist at Northbrook Dental Group.
SandyRegistered Dental HygienistIn Northbrook since 1995
Donna, registered dental hygienist at Northbrook Dental Group.
DonnaRegistered Dental HygienistHere since 1988
Justyna, registered dental hygienist at Northbrook Dental Group.
JustynaRegistered Dental HygienistFormer hygiene instructor
Michelle, registered dental hygienist at Northbrook Dental Group.
MichelleRegistered Dental HygienistHarper College, 2009
Sue, dental assistant at Northbrook Dental Group.
SueDental AssistantHere since 1997
Renee, dental assistant at Northbrook Dental Group.
ReneeDental Assistant14+ years in dentistry
Gina, administrative receptionist at Northbrook Dental Group.
GinaAdministrative ReceptionistHere since 2017
Erin, administrative receptionist at Northbrook Dental Group.
ErinAdministrative ReceptionistHere since 2010

How a visit feels

Calm rooms, and a clean one every time.

Our standards meet or exceed every CDC, OSHA and ADA guideline for dental practices. The rest is about making the appointment easy to sit through.

A treatment chair at Northbrook Dental Group beside a living moss wall.
01

Laughing gas, if you want it

The problem: dental anxiety, at any age.

Nitrous oxide through a small nasal mask soothes the nerves, and you should feel back to normal within minutes of finishing. Tell us when you book.

The waiting room seating at Northbrook Dental Group.
02

The whole family, one visit

The problem: a separate trip for every person in the house.

We can see several family members during the same visit, from a child’s checkup to a grandparent’s new teeth, all with the same team.

A clean, empty treatment room at Northbrook Dental Group.
03

Cleaned after every patient

The problem: the part of a dental office nobody shows you.

Instruments are heat and pressure sterilized between every use, each room is disinfected after every patient, and the whole office is deep cleaned every evening.

Dentistry in Northbrook, IL

Virtually everything, in one building.

From a child’s first sealants to implant surgery and same-day crowns, so you are not sent across town for the specialist part.

I need a checkup & cleaning

A checkup and cleaning every three to six months, with X-rays as needed and an oral cancer screening at the same visit.

  • Dental Checkups & Cleanings
  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Gum Disease Treatment
  • Fluoride Treatment
  • Nightguards for Bruxism
Ask about it →

A dentist for my child

A family practice for every age, so children see the same friendly team as their parents. Children with special needs are welcome; tell us what helps.

  • Dental Sealants
  • Athletic Mouthguards
  • Pulp Therapy
  • Special Needs Children’s Dentistry
Ask about it →

A cavity or a broken tooth

Tooth-colored fillings rather than silver, and crowns in porcelain, zirconia, lithium disilicate or gold, chosen for where the tooth sits.

  • Same-Day Dental Crowns
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • Dental Crowns
  • Metal-Free Restorations
Ask about it →

Missing one or more teeth

A bridge for one to four teeth in a row, full or partial dentures, or implants placed and restored here without a referral.

  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Implant Dentures
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I want to improve my smile

It starts with a conversation about what you would change. Veneers can be done in as little as two appointments.

  • Veneers
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Direct Bonding
  • Gum Recontouring
  • Smile Makeovers
  • BOTOX
Ask about it →

Jaw pain, or an emergency

Clicking, aching, locking or pain when you chew gets a proper diagnosis. A toothache or a broken tooth is seen the same day whenever possible.

  • TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment
  • Occlusal Splints & Adjustments
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Tooth & Wisdom Tooth Extractions
  • Emergency Dentistry
Ask about it →

What people ask about most.

Same-day crowns

A 3Shape TRIOS scan of the tooth, then the E4D milling machine cuts the crown from a block of ceramic here. Your permanent crown, in one day.

Implants without a referral

Consultation, surgery, healing and the final tooth, all in this office with the team you already know. No specialist across town.

Professional whitening kits

Professional-grade whitening kits to use at home. Many people see a difference after the first use, and the full result in two weeks.

BOTOX, from your dentist

Smooths lines around the eyes, brow and lips in 20 to 60 minutes with no downtime, and can relax the jaw muscles behind TMJ pain.

Implants & technology

Planned in 3-D. Placed and restored here.

Both dentists place and restore implants, so the whole process happens in this office. It works in four steps.

  1. Consult. A 3-D scan confirms you are a candidate, and whether bone grafting is needed first.
  2. Place. Under local anesthetic, the titanium post goes into the jawbone here, not at a specialist.
  3. Heal. Over three to six months the implant fuses with the bone, then the abutment goes on.
  4. Restore. Your new tooth, bridge or denture is designed and fitted on the implant.
An implant plan on a 3-D cone beam scan of a patient's jaw, on a monitor at Northbrook Dental Group.
Implant placement mapped on the practice’s own 3-D scan.
  • OP300 3-D cone beamRotates around the head to model the teeth, jaw and sinuses, for precise implant planning.
  • 3Shape TRIOS scannerDigital impressions instead of the messy putty, and often more accurate.
  • E4D milling machineCuts a ceramic crown in the office, so it goes in the same day.
  • Digital X-raysUp to 90% less radiation than film, and sharper images in a fraction of the time.
  • Intraoral cameraYou see exactly what the dentist sees, enlarged on the monitor beside you.
  • Sleep apnea applianceA custom oral appliance that keeps the airway open so you sleep through.

Insurance & savings

Quality dentistry, without the insurance jargon.

We file your claims, give you a full estimate before treatment, and have a plan of our own for patients with no insurance.

Dental insurance

We work with most of the leading PPO plans and submit the claim forms for you. We are not in-network with any plan, and the difference is often negligible.

Estimates first

Before treatment you get your options with the cost and timeline for each, including for emergencies, so nothing arrives as a surprise.

Payment plans

Low-interest payment plans let you break up the cost of more extensive treatment into manageable amounts.

No insurance?

Our in-house dental plan.

A simpler alternative to insurance. Pay one flat yearly rate and your basic preventive care is free, with discounts on most of our other services.

It also discounts treatment insurance usually will not cover, such as cosmetic dentistry. Call us for the details and to sign up.

  • You payOnce a year
  • Preventive careIncluded
  • Most treatmentDiscounted
  • Cosmetic workDiscounted

New patients

Saturday mornings, and a late Tuesday.

We are open until 6 pm on Tuesdays and from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays, and we are gladly accepting new patients of all ages.

  1. Fill in your patient forms online, so check-in is quick on the day
  2. Meet Dr. James or Dr. Justin, and tell them your concerns and goals
  3. A comprehensive exam, including full-mouth X-rays
  4. A plan if you need one, then a hygienist cleans and polishes
Book Online (847) 272-0049
Shermer Road in Northbrook from above, from the practice's own office tour video.
Shermer Rd from above, from our own office tour video. Village Green Park is across the street.

In pain, or something has broken?

Call the office right away. We will see you the same day whenever possible and act quickly to find the problem and relieve the pain.

Toothaches, chipped or knocked-out teeth, a lost filling or crown, a broken denture, jaw pain: call (847) 272-0049.

  1. Explain your symptoms, and we book a same-day appointment
  2. You get instructions for caring for the tooth at home until then
  3. A comprehensive emergency exam when you arrive
  4. Your options, with their costs and timeline, before anything starts

5.0 out of 5 · 175+ Google reviews

Gentle, thorough, and everything explained.

★★★★★
Dr. James Woodruff and his son Dr. Justin Woodruff are incredible dentists. Their office is beautiful, and I left with my teeth sparkling! Thank you, Sandy! I am continuously impressed by the Woodruffs’ professionalism, care, and kindness. Dental dream team! Alex V.Northbrook, on our own site
★★★★★
My First Visit to Northbrook Dental Group was Amazing all the Staff are friendly. i was in pain for almost 2 months and I am scared of needles. Dr Woodruff and his Staff made me feel safe and Its a painless process of a root canal. EreGoogle review
★★★★★
I love this dental office. They saw me last minute for a root canal. Everyone was so accommodating, professional, and nice. I Highly recommend this dental practice. Traci BergerGoogle review
★★★★★
I’m not a fan of going to the dentist, but this experience has been the best I have ever had at a dentist office. … Everything was explained and my comfort with every procedure was always taken into consideration. Zulima HurtadoGoogle review
★★★★★
Dr. Woodruff and his team are incredible! I needed to get my front right crown replaced and a front tooth bonded. … They even stayed late one night to get me in before the weekend. Kathleen SweeneyGoogle review
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Common questions

What people ask before they book.

Do you see children?

Yes. We are a family practice that treats patients of all ages, with sealants, athletic mouthguards and pulp therapy for children. We also welcome children with special needs: let us know ahead of time how we can accommodate your child.

Will I need to see a separate doctor for dental implants?

Most often, no. Many offices refer implant surgery to a specialist, but in most cases we complete the whole process here, from the 3-D scan to the final tooth, with the same team you already know.

Do you take my dental insurance?

We work with most of the leading PPO plans and file the claim forms for you. We are not in-network with any plan, but the difference in savings between in- and out-of-network is often negligible, and we will explain your coverage in clear terms.

I do not have insurance. How else can I make it affordable?

Ask about our in-house dental plan: one flat yearly fee, basic preventive care included, and discounts on most other treatment, including cosmetic work that insurance usually does not cover. Low-interest payment plans are available for larger treatment.

What can you do about my toothache?

Call us right away. We will likely see you the same day for an emergency exam. A severe toothache often means an infected nerve, and root canal treatment can relieve the pain and save the tooth.

I get nervous at the dentist. Can you help?

Tell us when you book. We offer nitrous oxide, laughing gas, through a small nasal mask, and you should feel back to normal within minutes of finishing.

Where exactly are you?

1310 Shermer Rd #50, Northbrook, on Shermer Rd between Walters Ave and Church St, less than five minutes west of Waukegan Rd. Village Green Park is just across the street, and we are close to the Meadow Shopping Plaza.

Visit us

Across the street from Village Green Park.

Address
1310 Shermer Rd #50
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Between Walters Ave and Church St, five minutes west of Waukegan Rd
Phone
(847) 272-0049
Email the office
Hours
Monday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
The waiting room at Northbrook Dental Group, with chairs, a coffee table and a garden window.

Tell us what you need, and we will call you back.

A member of our team will reach out to set up your visit, or email us at northbrookdentalgroup@gmail.com. If you are in pain, please phone instead. Existing patients: please do not send private health information through this form.

✓ New patients of all ages ✓ Open Saturdays ✓ Same-day emergencies