With heavy hearts, we bid a sincere farewell to Dr. Norman Mills, a loving and devoted husband to Carolyn, and a father who was cherished by his children, Todd and Morgan. He held a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren, Emma, Madeline, and Heidi, bringing joy and love to their lives. A rock to his sisters, Kathy and Peggy, he was a pillar of support and strength in their lives.
Dr. Norman Mills was not only a dedicated and caring pediatric dentist but also a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force. His adventurous spirit, combined with his loving nature, left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and skill, touching the lives of countless families through his profession and military service.
As we remember him, we cherish the memories of his kindness, the warmth of his smile, and the unwavering dedication he showed to his patients and loved ones. Dr. Norman Mills leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and excellence that will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his presence.
Dr. Norman Mills, a passionate and caring pediatric dentist, dedicated his life to providing a safe, comfortable, and fun dental home for children. His practice emphasized preventive dentistry, airway evaluation, and guided growth and development, welcoming children of all ages, races, nationalities, and backgrounds, including those with special healthcare needs. Each child was cherished and celebrated for their unique individuality, and laughter served as the common language in his office—a reflection of the joy he brought to his young patients.
Born and raised on his grandparents’ farm in the northwest suburbs, Norman developed a lifelong love for animals and the outdoors. Growing up with thirty cousins, he learned valuable lessons in negotiation and family bonds. His academic excellence and achievements in football earned him multiple college admissions offers, and after exploring different fields, he settled on chemistry and biology. Pursuing his passion for dentistry, he obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Detroit.
Norman’s natural affinity for pediatrics led him to focus on treating children, evident during his time as an Air Force dentist in Wyoming. Seeking to expand his expertise, he pursued two years of pediatric training at Northwestern University and Children’s Memorial Hospital (Lurie Children’s), later enhancing his skills with extensive orthodontic training. Norman’s wife, Carolyn, played an essential role in supporting his education and career, working as a flight attendant and even serving as a dental hygienist in their practice for a period.
Throughout their journey together, they raised two wonderful children, a son and a daughter, and enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world. Tragically, their son passed away in 2011, leaving behind cherished memories of him accompanying Norman during his residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital. In honor of his son and the countless patients who received care at Lurie Children’s, Norman actively participated in the annual Lurie Children’s Move for Kids event.
Dr. Norman Mills’ legacy lives on through the smiles he brought to countless children’s faces and the compassionate care he provided to all who crossed his path. He will be remembered not only as a skilled dentist but also as a loving husband, a devoted father, and a true advocate for the well-being of children. His commitment to making a difference in the lives of young patients will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to experience his kindness and expertise.
My wife, Carolyn’s hard work as a flight attendant, made it possible for me to complete my education and start our wonderful practice. Carolyn even became a dental hygienist in our practice for a time! Over the years we raised two fantastic children, a son and a daughter, and travelled to many parts of the world. Memories of our son tagging along with me during my residency at Children’s still fill me with bittersweet joy. Ever since his passing in 2011, I walk in Lurie Children’s Move for Kids event in remembrance of him and in honor of my many patients who receive(d) care there.
The ever-present goal of my practice is to provide a safe, comfortable, caring and fun! dental home for kids with a focus on preventive dentistry, airway evaluation and guided growth and development. We are proud to care for all children: all ages, every race, nationality and ethnicity, children who are neurotypical, neurodivergent and those with special healthcare needs. We cherish all children as the unique individuals they are. Laughter, my office theme, is our common language!
Patients and parents always ask me about my background. I gladly share that I spent much of my early life on my grandparents’ farm in the northwest suburbs, where I developed a life-long love and appreciation for animals and the outdoors, along with learning to negotiate life with thirty cousins! I was the first of my cousins to go to college, receiving many admissions offers, due to my academic excellence and being all-state in football. I started college as a math major, changed to business, and finally found my place in chemistry and biology. After graduating, I made the excellent decision to attend dental school earning my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Detroit. I always gravitated toward pediatrics, proving my affinity to connect with and treat children during two years in Wyoming as an Air Force dentist. Following that I did two years of pediatric training at Northwestern University and Children’s Memorial Hospital (Lurie Children’s), adding extensive orthodontic training later, for the greatest profession, serving families as a pediatric dentist.
