Meet Your 2026-2027 Kenwood/Hyde Park Branch President

Dr. Courtnie Akande is a dedicated dental professional and 2023 graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry. A proud Chicago native, Dr. Akande has long been committed to serving her community, a passion that led her to pursue a career in dentistry from an early age. Her journey into the field has been shaped by a blend of academic excellence and a deep desire to impact public health.

Dr. Akande earned her bachelor’s degree of science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by a master’s degree in public health from New York University. Her academic path was complemented by hands-on experience in clinical research at the University of Chicago, where she focused on the intersection of oral health and public health—a combination that fueled her pursuit of a dental career.

Throughout her dental education at the University of Illinois – Chicago College of Dentistry, she gained not only technical expertise but also valuable life lessons that further shaped her approach to patient care. To enhance her clinical skills, she completed a General Practice Residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in the Lakeview neighborhood, where she refined her abilities in varied dental procedures and patient management.

Her commitment to both oral health and public health continues to guide her professional journey as she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and the greater Chicagoland area. Currently, Dr. Akande is dedicated to improving access to dental care in underserved communities, providing high-quality dental services at two Federally Qualified Health Centers: PCC Community Wellness in Berwyn and the Chicago Family Health Center in the Pullman neighborhood. Dr. Akande is excited to work alongside the members of the Kenwood/Hyde Park Chicago Dental Society branch in making the upcoming 2026-2027 year a success filled with refreshing and insightful moments for the veteran and early career dentists alike.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sister, other family members, and close friends. She cherishes traveling, reading & being part of an avid book club, attending concerts, self-care, and exploring all that the Chicagoland area has to offer.