Dr. Maggie Augustyn, FAAIP, FICOI
Practice Owner and Practicing Dentist
Dr. Maggie Augustyn is a compassionate and highly skilled general dentist, as well as the founder and co-owner of Happy Tooth since 2005. With a career defined by dedication, excellence, and compassion, she stands out as both a trusted clinician and an inspirational force in dentistry. Dr. Augustyn earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2004, building on her foundation of two bachelor’s degrees from UIC and Benedictine University. She has further honed her craft through advanced education, including completing the course sequence at the prestigious Dawson Academy very early in her career. Recognized for her commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Augustyn exceeds continuing education requirements fivefold and proudly holds multiple Fellowships, such as with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontists, and her Fellowship of the Academy of General Dentistry forthcoming. Her career-long passion has included endodontics (related to root canals), which started in dental school, where as a freshman she was awarded a grant to study how certain root canal fillings leaked at their tips during surgery. She’s always been proactive about being on the cutting edge of advancing her skills in root canal therapy. Today, she focuses much of her practice performing root canals in the office, making life a little easier for patients who don’t have to be referred out. Dr. Augustyn is not shy about sharing that she’s needed nine root canals due to cracks in her teeth and has even lost a tooth because of it. She’s had it replaced with an implant. She is passionate about helping patients rebuild their function with same day crowns and implants, if necessary.
Dr. Augustyn’s career is a testament to her leadership and innovation. She has served on the Board of Dental Advisors and contributed extensively to clinical product evaluations for leading manufacturers. Her expertise and vision have garnered national attention—she has graced the covers of four dental magazines and was named one of Dentistry Today’s Top 250 Leaders in 2023 and 2024. Dr. Augustyn is also a Hall of Fame inductee from the Productive Dentist Academy (website link to PDA here), where she serves as faculty, and has earned numerous accolades, including “Recognized as Among America’s Best Dentists,” “Among America’s Top Dentists,” and the Dental Excellence and Best of Elmhurst Awards.
Beyond clinical excellence, Dr. Augustyn is a prolific writer, speaker, and thought leader in the field of dentistry. She publishes the column “Mindful Moments” in Dentistry Today and is the first wellness columnist for the Academy of General Dentistry’s AGD Impact. Her writing, which explores the human experience and its intersection with dentistry, has been widely published in notable outlets such as Dental Entrepreneur Woman, Dental Economics, and DentistryIQ. She has also earned a nomination for Author of The Year at the Dental Festival. Dr. Augustyn’s voice extends beyond articles—she co-hosts the award-winning Everyday Practices Dental Podcast with Regan Robertson and Dr. Chad Johnson, and is now serving as the National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Maggie Augustyn’s personal mission transcends dentistry. She aims to inspire others on a path toward self-actualization, blending vulnerability and strength as she lectures and writes on what it means to be human. Her speaking engagements often evoke profound reflection, encouraging audiences to connect deeply with their professional and personal lives. She has keynoted for audiences of over 1,000 dental professionals and is a sought-after speaker at conferences, study clubs, and podcasts. Balancing her multi-faceted career with her personal life, Dr. Augustyn enjoys woodworking, art, reading, and writing non-fiction. Above all, she treasures her role as a wife and mother, continually pursuing personal growth and striving to be her best self every day.
Education:
Dr. Augustyn earned her doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) after completing two Bachelor’s degrees from UIC and Benedictine University.
Post-doctorate Education:
Post-graduation, she furthered her expertise by completing the course sequence at the renowned Dawson Academy in oral equilibration and cosmetic dentistry. She continues to enhance her skills with hundreds of hours of continuing education in various dental specialties, including Orthodontics, Implantology, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Cosmetic dentistry, Practice management and Endodontics.
Professional Awards and Distinctions:
- America’s Best Dentist
- America’s Top Dentists
- Rising Star Award from Benedictine University in 2015
Nominations:
- Author of the Year 2023 at the Dental Festival
- Fellowship in American Academy of Implant prosthodontics 2023
- Fellowship in international congress of dental implantologists 2023
- An exam short of the fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry
- Dentistry Today’s Top 250 CE Providers 2023
Positions Held Within Dental Organizations:
- Seattle Study Club Member 2009-2019
- Evaluator for Dental Advisors, an elite group of dentists who evaluate new material and technology in the dental industry, 2022-23
- Board member at Dental Advisors 2022-23
Lecture and Speaking Engagements:
Dr. Augustyn is a respected figure in the dental community who enjoys mentoring young dentists and sharing her insights and experiences in dentistry. She has been featured on various podcasts, discussing important topics such as wellness, authenticity, and burnout in dentistry. She has been invited to speak internationally and has spoken coast to coast igniting young professionals towards a journey of self discovery.
Media and Publications:
Dr. Augustyn is one of dentistry’s most prolific writers, averaging over 20 editorials annually. Her articles have been read hundreds of thousands of times by dental professionals. She was one of the first columnists at Dentistry Today running a monthly column titled “Mindful Moments.” She is also the first wellness contributor for AGD (Academy of General Dentistry) Impact with a quarterly column. She is actively involved in the publication of Dental Entrepreneur and Dental Entrepreneur Woman (DeW). She has also authored content for Dental Economics and Dentistry IQ. Dr. Maggie has also been featured on dozens of podcasts within and outside of the dental industry.
Volunteer and Community Work:
Outside of her dental practice, Dr. Augustyn dedicates her time to volunteerism, supporting her community, and making a positive impact.
- Editorial board member and evaluator, dental advisor – 2021 – present
- Female founder collective, 2021-present
Memberships:
- Female Founder Collective, a network of women-led businesses aimed at empowering and positively impacting communities.
- Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Female Founder Collective, a network of women-led businesses aimed at empowering and positively impacting communities.
- Fellowship in American Academy of Implant prosthodontics 2023
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Chicago Dental Society (CDS)
- Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS)
Hobbies and Personal Life:
In her personal life, Dr. Augustyn enjoys hobbies such as woodworking and various art projects. She is an avid reader and writer of non-fiction. Most importantly, she values her role as a mother and wife, focusing on personal growth and being a better person every day.
Dr. Maggie Augustyn’s approach to dentistry, dedication to continuous learning, and commitment to her community make her an inspiring figure in the dental profession. Her ability to connect with people and bring smiles to her patients’ faces truly sets her apart in her field.
