Experienced Skokie, IL Dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Carley
Dr. Emily Carley is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. She is committed to building long-lasting relationships founded on trust, honesty, and exceptional quality of care. Dr. Carley takes the time to get to know each patient personally, tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs and helping every patient feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their dental care.
Why I Became a Dentist
Dr. Carley always knew she wanted a career in healthcare where she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a child, her dream was to become a veterinarian, inspired by her love for caring for the vast array of animals she welcomed into her home. Later, her interests shifted toward surgery as she discovered a passion for solving problems and being creative through detailed, hands-on work. That creativity was deeply influenced by her parents: her father, a master gardener, and her mother, a skilled bookbinder, both of whom taught her the value of craftsmanship and attention to detail. It wasn’t until a beloved family friend, whom she affectionately called Aunt Belinda, invited her to observe life inside a dental practice that Dr. Carley realized dentistry combined everything she loved most - healthcare, artistry, problem-solving, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships while helping people smile with confidence.
My Educational Background
Dr. Emily Carley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Rice University. After college, she pursued research in Alzheimer’s disease at the Medical University of South Carolina and cardiovascular disease at the UT Health Science Center at Houston. She later relocated to the Chicago suburbs to attend Midwestern University, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. During dental school, Dr. Carley also served as a research fellow, designing and leading a research project focused on palate development. Her academic excellence and leadership earned her numerous honors, including the Kramer Award from Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Outstanding Leader Award from the American College of Dentists, and the Senior Student Dental Award from the Illinois Academy of General Dentistry. She was also selected as her class commencement speaker. Dr. Carley further advanced her clinical training through a General Practice Residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and remains committed to lifelong learning in order to provide the highest quality care for her patients.
My Life Outside the Dental Office
When she’s not in the office, Dr. Emily Carley enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three sons. Having recently moved back to the area, she and her family have been enjoying the process of restoring their old barnhouse in Wilmette. She enjoys cooking, being outside, and traveling.