Peter Harnois DDS Obituary – Dr. Peter T. Harnois, a distinguished dentist with over 40 years of experience in general and esthetic dentistry, passed away unexpectedly this week.
He was a leading figure at Hinsdale Dentistry in Hinsdale, Illinois, and served as the President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE).
A native of Hinsdale, Dr. Harnois graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 1982, where he served as class president for three years.
He began his career as an assistant professor of Oral Diagnosis from 1983 to 1989 before dedicating himself to private practice. In 2008, he expanded his professional reach by opening a prestigious esthetic practice in downtown Chicago.
Throughout his career, Dr. Harnois was renowned for his commitment to minimally invasive, metal-free dental treatments that emphasized natural results. His expertise encompassed a wide range of procedures, including the use of Lumineers, Snap-On Smile, and advanced laser dentistry techniques.
He was also a nationally recognized lecturer and clinical trainer, sharing his knowledge on Botox and dermal fillers, as well as other esthetic dental procedures, with professionals across North America.
Dr. Harnois held memberships in several esteemed organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the World Clinical Laser Institute, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society. His leadership roles and affiliations underscored his dedication to advancing the field of dental esthetics and his commitment to professional development.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Harnois was deeply involved in his community and was known for his compassionate patient care. His unexpected passing is a significant loss to the dental community, his colleagues, and the many patients whose lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.
Who Was Peter Harnois?
Dr. Peter Harnois dedicated over 40 years to practicing general and esthetic dentistry in the Hinsdale community, earning a reputation as a leader in his field. In 2008, he expanded his expertise by establishing a prestigious esthetic practice in downtown Chicago.
A graduate with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 1982, Dr. Harnois served as class president for three years and later as an assistant professor of Oral Diagnosis from 1983 to 1989.
As the President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), Dr. Harnois was also a Fellow and Diplomat faculty member of the organization. His professional memberships included the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the World Clinical Laser Institute, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society. He was pronounced dead unexpectedly this week.
Renowned as a nationally recognized lecturer, Dr. Harnois was celebrated for his clear and interactive teaching style. He was deeply committed to educating and training other dental professionals, fostering open dialogue to share insights from his extensive experience with varied case scenarios.
He lectured for organizations such as NuCalm, AAFE (on Botox and dermal fillers), and DenMat (on Lumineers, Snap-On Smile, and oral cancer detection). Additionally, he collaborated with TEREC lab members to deliver presentations on emerging technologies in dentistry and hosted live Over-the-Shoulder courses at his Hinsdale office.
Dr. Harnois championed a philosophy centered on providing gentle, minimally invasive, metal-free cosmetic dental treatments that deliver natural results. As a clinical trainer and lecturer, he partnered with organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, AAFE, and DenMat to conduct hands-on training sessions for dental and medical professionals nationwide. He empowered other practitioners to elevate their patient care through innovative techniques, including the placement of ultra-thin veneers and advanced smile design.
Dr. Harnois was a pioneering figure in minimally invasive total facial esthetics, training thousands of healthcare professionals through lectures and hands-on courses. His collaborations with DenMat extended to authoring educational platforms and facilitating training programs that emphasized the preparation and placement of highly esthetic, minimally invasive veneers.
As a thought leader in modern dental technologies, Dr. Harnois provided unparalleled care to his patients while helping transform the practices of his peers. His legacy of education, innovation, and patient-focused care continues to inspire the dental community.