Dr. Charles J Wagener

Dr. Charles Wagener attended Loyola University of Chicago where he received his Bachelor of Science (1974) degree majoring in chemistry and biology. His diverse interests led to several sales positions in the food industry, home energy conservation, and multi-media educational aids. Because of his special interest in education and strong science background, he returned to Loyola University to study oral biology and material science. After receiving his Master of Science degree (MS, 1981), he immediately entered the School of Dentistry at Loyola's Medical Center campus. During his years at Loyola, he expanded his research efforts to include the study of microbiology and diabetes. Additionally, while at Loyola, he served as a class officer and was the recipient of numerous awards for his research in dental science including the Illinois State Dental Society, Klopper Award and the Chicago Dental Society Student Research Award. In 1985, Dr. Wagener received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University. Following dental school, Dr. Wagener spent the next two years in private practice, serving several communities as a general dentist, in remote areas of Idaho. Again due to his strong interest in research and education, Dr. Wagener entered a post graduate specialty program in periodontics at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester (1987). During his residency he was involved with the training of dentists and dental hygienists in the specialty of periodontology. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Wagener was in charge of the animal vivarium, and was actively involved in the humane treatment of research animals. In 1988, Dr. Wagener received a research award from the National Institute of Dental Research to further his study in the regeneration of the periodontium. As a result, he was the author and co-author of several research articles published in dental journals. Since receiving his specialty certificate in periodontics (1990), Dr. Wagener returned to the Midwest to practice periodontics as well as to continue his teaching in periodontology. In 1995, Dr. Wagener was awarded diplomate status from the American Board of Periodontology. For almost 10 years, Dr. Wagener served as an instructor of periodontics at Loyola's School of Dentistry, as well as, Loyola's General Practice Residency program. And since 2001, he has been associated with the Rock Valley College - Dental Hygiene program both as a classroom and clinical instructor. Furthermore, Dr. Wagener is a volunteer instructor for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources teaching young people Hunter Safety, Wilderness Survival & First Aid. Dr. Wagener is accomplished in oral diagnosis, CT diagnostics, and oral medicine; the treatment of pathological diseases involving the oral and sinus cavities; regenerative techniques of soft (gum) and hard (bone) tissues; and rehabilitation of the lost dentition (dental implants). Dr. Wagener is a member of several state, regional, and national dental organizations including the Winnebago County Dental Society where he has held several positions and presently serves as committee chairman. He is actively involved with the Winnebago County Health Department, and currently serves on the Committee for Access to Dental Care, and the Committee for Mass Disaster/ Bioterriorism where he cooperates with several state and local agencies. Dr. Wagener has a passion for learning the latest technological advances in oral medicine, teaching, spending quality time with family and friends, and enjoying the great outdoors.