Meet Dr. Ruchi Naik, DMD

Dr. Ruchi Naik is a board-eligible endodontist who received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago with honors. Following her undergraduate studies, she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and Certificate in Endodontics and Master of Science in Oral Sciences from the University of Illinois Chicago as well.

Clinically, Dr. Naik is trained in advanced endodontic techniques including microsurgery, CBCT-guided diagnosis, GentleWave® therapy, Navident guided-access, and Fotona laser applications.

Dr. Naik serves on the faculty at the UIC College of Dentistry, teaching both in the preclinical simulation lab and in the urgent care clinic. She mentors dental students in endodontic access, cleaning and shaping, obturation, diagnosis, and emergency management. She also is involved in research that focuses on endodontic education, digital assessment technology, and patient communication. Her master’s thesis, a randomized pilot study on written and audiovisual after-visit summaries, demonstrated significant improvements in patient understanding and postoperative confidence. Her work has been supported by the ADEA GIES Foundation, the Wach Fund, and the Mars Wrigley and Chicago Dental Society, and has been presented at AAE, ADEA, and UIC Clinic and Research Day.

She is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American Dental Education Association, the Coolidge Club, and the American Association of Women in Dentistry. She is conversant in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Konkani.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Naik enjoys exploring new restaurants and cuisines, visiting local coffee shops, hiking, trying new recipes, and spending time with family and friends. She also has an interest in art, sewing as well as singing that she pursues in her free time.