Dr. Howard I. Cooper, DDS

Dr. Howard I. Cooper, DDS — General Dentist, MAGD & Community Servant Leader

Excellence in Dentistry, Gurnee, Illinois • Loyola University Chicago (DDS, 1991) • Lake County Coroner & national disaster response service

About Dr. Cooper

Dr. Howard I. Cooper is a long-time Gurnee dentist known for evidence-based care and a relentless commitment to learning. He earned his DDS from Loyola University of Chicago in 1991 and has since pursued thousands of hours of continuing education, achieving Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and being among the very first recipients of the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition award. He also holds fellowships and recognitions from organizations including the Academy of Dentistry International, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and the Misch International Implant Institute. He has served as president of multiple dental societies, including the Lake County Dental Society, Chicago AGD, and Illinois AGD.

Beyond the operatory, Dr. Cooper has a distinguished record of public service. He served on federal DMORT teams (including DMORT WMD All Hazards), deploying to Ground Zero after 9/11 and to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina for victim identification and recovery efforts, and was named Response Team Distinguished Member of the Year (2011) by the National Disaster Medical System. He also writes and lectures on forensic dentistry and serves his community as the Lake County Coroner.

When he’s not caring for patients, he enjoys traveling the U.S. with his family—often camera in hand.

In This Episode (Chairside Stories)

This conversation goes behind the curtain on a life of service and craft. Dr. Cooper reflects on the moments that shaped his career—from Loyola to leadership in organized dentistry to disaster response—and shares clear advice for patients and dental students on choosing well, staying calm, and playing the long game.

Watch for:

• The path from Loyola to MAGD—and why lifelong learning matters
• What disaster response taught him about teamwork, clarity, and care
• Practical advice for new patients and students: preparation, trust, and follow-through

Watch the Episode

Fast Facts

• Education: DDS, Loyola University of Chicago (1991)
• Distinctions: FAGD, MAGD, LLSR (AGD); fellowships/recognitions from ADI, ICOI, ACD, ICD, Misch Institute; leadership roles in Lake County Dental Society, Chicago AGD, Illinois AGD
• Public Service: DMORT / DMORT WMD deployments (9/11, Hurricane Katrina); NDMS Distinguished Member of the Year (2011); Lake County Coroner
• Practice Focus: Family, cosmetic, restorative care with prevention-first philosophy (Excellence in Dentistry)

About Excellence in Dentistry (Gurnee, IL)

Excellence in Dentistry, LTD — 5101 Washington St., Suite 2V, Gurnee, IL 60031 — (847) 244-4000. A family-focused practice providing comprehensive care for all ages, with same-day emergency support and a commitment to high-quality materials and clear communication.
Website: https://www.gurneedds.com/