Dr. Derek Fornelli
General Dentist Providing Oral Surgery Services
Dr. Fornelli’s love of art and science began early thanks to his father, a lifelong professional artist and amateur archeologist. Born and raised in Park Ridge, IL, Dr. Fornelli first attended Illinois State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Art History with minors in studio jewelry and graphic design. He then went Benedictine University to prepare for dental school and earned a major certificate in biology. His dental training was then completed at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry where he earned both a bachelor of science in dentistry as well as his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees.
Dr. Fornelli relies on his 15 years of experience as a general dentist to provide exceptional, personalized treatment for all. Taking his time with each patient, his experience is able to provide optimal solutions to your dental problems and concerns.
Dedication to lifelong learning through continuing education is also important to him. It allows Dr. Fornelli to keep abreast of new information and techniques while helping to continually hone his clinical skills.
He also provides regular charitable care with several organizations both locally and abroad. Dr. Fornelli was first introduced to this side of dentistry when he traveled to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1999 with oral surgeon and mentor Dr. Dean Skuble. There Dr. Skuble’s charity Care for Children built and staffed a modern dental clinic to serve the children affected by the countries recent civil war. The clinic at Mother’s Village Orphanage is still in operation today and Dr. Fornelli has traveled back several times to provide care.
Dr. Fornelli is a member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and the Illinois State Dental Society.
In 2021 Dr. Fornelli was named president of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society after serving on the board for several years.
Dr. Fornelli resides in Elk Grove Village with his family and dog Hazel. He enjoys art, literature, and history.
“Dentistry To Me Is The Ultimate Merging Of Art And Science. Yet There Is A Very Human And Personal Component To It. It’s Fascinating, Challenging And I Love It.”
– Dr. Derek Fornelli
