Meet Dr. Riva (Emeritus)

• Dr. Richard Riva is a highly respected and accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has provided exceptional care to patients in his Chatham office, for over 35 years. Dr. Riva is a pillar in the community, with outstanding experience in education, military service, professional boards and societies. We are very grateful that he has chosen Riverside Oral Surgery to further his legacy and his experience will be invaluable to us all.
• A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard proudly enlisted in the US Naval Reserve, Officer Candidate School in Ft. Benning, GA, and served as an Armored Calvary Officer along the East/West German Border. Dr. Riva then graduated from New York University, College of Dentistry and went on to complete his residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He then joined the USPHS Corps, served as Director of Oral Surgery at USPHS Hospital in Staten Island, and continued teaching for years to come at Overlook Hospital, Bayley Seton Hospital, and Morristown Memorial Hospital, where he remains on staff today.
• Throughout his career, Dr. Riva has made tremendous contributions to nationally and locally recognized boards, serving as both an influential member and an appointed executive. Most notably, he sat on the NJ State Board of Dentistry for four years and served as President to the following organizations: New Jersey Dental Association, New Jersey Society of Oral Surgeons, and Tri-County Dental. He also served as Chairman for AAOMS and NJDA; and has most recently been recognized for his lifetime achievement in celebration of NJDA’s 150th anniversary.
• Dr. Riva remains an active member of multiple professional societies, including the New Jersey Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and continues to serve as a key opinion leader in our community. Dr. Riva’s years of service and dedication to his colleagues, patients, and community make us proud to have him on the Riverside Oral Surgery team.