Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, Garner

After attending New York University's College of Dentistry, Dr. Michael Riccobene relocated to Selma, North Carolina where, in 2000, he founded the first Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry office. Since then, Dr. Riccobene has expanded his practice to seven other locations, with the newest office opened recently in Cary. To keep up with the demands of each office, Dr. Riccobene works alongside 34 other dentists, including specialists in oral surgery, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry, whom he vets for their chairside manner as well as their dental experience: they must be patient, have a good sense of humor, and be as good at explaining procedures as they are at performing them.

Once on staff, each dentist aims to make every visit—from preventative exams to root canals and Invisalign fittings—comfortable and fear-free for the client. Riccobene's team also eases nerves by keeping wait times short, dispensing coffee from Starbucks machines in the lobby, and hanging a satellite TV in view of each treatment chair. Along with being an advocate for patients, Dr. Riccobene gives back to his community through various charitable organizations and sponsorships while participating in business expos.