Doctors & Staff

All professionals at Dental Care Professionals maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the dental field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.

Dr. James Stipak

Dr. James Stipak is a graduate of Loyola University School of Dentistry. He is very enthusiastic about dental education. Drs. Stipak and Berni offered their office as a teaching office for the Dental Assisting program at Triton and Wright Junior Colleges.

Throughout many years of practice, he has been active in the dental community. His organized dentistry involvement includes: American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Stipak has served as president of local chapters. For the Academy of the General dentistry, he served on the National Board of Continuing Education and is currently working for a Masters. Dr. Stipak has received fellowships from: Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Federation of Dentere International, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Dr. Stipak and his wife, MaryAnne have three grown children: Michael, Jamie, and Jessica, and four grandchildren: Michael, Makayla, Mieka, and Ellie. For recreation Dr. Stipak enjoys relaxing at his vacation home in Lake Geneva, WI., spending time with his grandchildren, and gardening.

Dr. Tara Culligan

Dr. Tara Culligan is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. She first joined Dental Care Professionals in 2002 as a Dental Assistant to Dr. Berni and has been with the practice ever since!

To remain engaged in the dental community, Dr. Culligan is a member of: Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, and American Dental Association. She has held various board positions for the Northwest Side Branch of CDS. Dr. Culligan also enjoys talking to children about the importance of oral health. She visits area schools each February for Children's Dental Health Month.

Dr. Culligan is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin. She and her husband have a daughter, Vivien, and 2 dogs. Her interests include cooking, travel, piano, art, theater, and music.

Dr. David Berni

Dr. David Berni is a graduate of Loyola University School of Dentistry. He also completed an additional year of training in a postgraduate dental internship with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Berni treats all disciplines of dentistry. It is very important to him to stay current on what is new in dentistry. He actively participates in continuing education courses.

Dr. Berni and his wife, Jae have four grown children and eight grandchildren. His interests include skiing, tennis, and scuba diving. Dr. Berni is quite involved in the community. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Arcolian Dental Arts Society. He has served as president in local branches of these societies. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Berni has served on his community's Board of Health, Development Review Boards, and is currently serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Dr. Melissa Drab

Dr. Melissa Drab completed her D.D.S. degree at Marquette University School of Dentistry. She received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Spanish at Augustana College. Dr. Drab is active in organized dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the Chicago Dental Society. She has been recognized by the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

When she is not in the office, Dr. Drab enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, jewelry making, and trying new restaurants.