About Our Vivid Smiles Dentists
Vivid Smiles was founded by Dr. Christine Ciullo and Dr. Rama Yako, two dentists who met while working together in Chicago. Although they both earned their dental degrees from Case Western Reserve University, their paths didn’t cross until years later. United by a shared passion for patient-centered care, they partnered to rebrand and build Vivid Smiles—a modern Lincoln Park dental office focused on comfort, education, and clinical excellence.
Dr. Rama Yako | Dentist
Education:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Affiliations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Chicago Dental Society (CDS)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS)
About
Originally from Canada, Dr. Yako moved to the U.S. to pursue her passion for dentistry, earning her degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. She has called Chicago home ever since.
From an early age, Dr. Yako knew she wanted to be a dentist, drawn to the field’s unique blend of science, artistry, and human connection. She values patient education and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their oral health decisions. By fostering trust and open communication, she hopes to shift the narrative around dental visits, making them a positive experience for everyone.
In an exciting turn of events, Dr. Yako partnered with Dr. Ciullo—who also attended Case Western Reserve University but whom she wouldn’t meet until years later while working at the same practice in Chicago. Together, they took the leap to purchase and rebrand the office into what is now Vivid Smiles Chicago, creating a practice built on shared values of quality care and patient-centered dentistry.
Dr. Yako is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Illinois State Dental Society. She continues to stay engaged with the latest advancements in dentistry to provide the best care for her patients.
Outside the office, Dr. Yako enjoys biking, hiking, reading, astronomy, and exploring her creative side through drawing and painting. A passionate traveler and foodie, she loves experiencing new cultures and discovering new restaurants. Most of all, Dr. Yako cherishes spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Christine Ciullo | Dentist
Education:
- B.S. in Linguistics with a minor in Spanish – University of Michigan
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
- General Practice Residency – Summa Akron City Hospital
Affiliations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS)
- Chicago Dental Society (CDS)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
About
Dr. Ciullo, originally from Westlake, Ohio, has always had a deep passion for dentistry, a love that began in her high school years. During summers throughout high school and college, she worked as an assistant to her father, a respected oral surgeon in Westlake, where she honed her skills and grew her appreciation for the field.
Dr. Ciullo attended the University of Michigan, earning a B.S. in Linguistics with a minor in Spanish. It was also there that she met her husband, Zac. Following undergrad, Dr. Ciullo attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, where she obtained her DMD. To further her education, she completed a general practice residency at Summa Akron City Hospital, where she expanded her understanding of medicine and its application to general dentistry.
After graduating, Dr. Ciullo and her husband relocated to Chicago, where she worked as an associate dentist. It was here that she met Dr. Yako, leading to a decision to partner and purchase their own practice.
Dr. Ciullo is passionate about continuing education and building meaningful connections with her patients. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society and Chicago Dental Society, as well as the American Academy of General Dentists. Her unique background, combining strong communication skills with dental expertise, allows her to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Outside of the office, Dr. Ciullo enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling, and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines at football games.