Meet Dr. Eric Ricci

Eric J. Ricci, D.M.D.

Dr. Eric J. Ricci always dreamed of becoming a dentist just like his father. He attended Saint Anselm College where he earned an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in History and successfully completed the pre-dental program. He served as the Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, an Ambassador at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and helped create a recycling program for the college’s dormitories. Eric then attended Rhode Island College and earned a Master of Arts degree in Biology, performing research under the direction of Dr. Eric Roberts, that resulted in the discovery of a cuticle (the outermost, waxy layer of certain plants) on the species of moss, Physcomitrella patens. He was awarded a federal grant through the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program for his research.

Dr. Eric attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. There, he was involved in the Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity, and served as a Teaching Assistant instructing underclassmen on the clinic floor. Dr. Ricci was inducted into the Tisch College of Civic Life’s Honos Civicus Society in recognition of his important contributions during his time at Tufts University.

Having his father at his side during dental school as a volunteer faculty member, “was nothing short of surreal." There was no greater honor than for his father to join him once a week for lunch, discussing what he had just learned, and to see him develop his skills firsthand. Having also graduating from Tufts, his father was able to give Dr. Eric his white coat at the start of dental school, and confer his doctoral hood upon completion. Dr. Ricci completed his externship at Tufts Dental Facilities (TDF) Worcester clinic for Special Needs. The program was founded in 1976, by a landmark civil rights lawsuit (Ricci v. Okin, 1972) brought by Eric’s great uncle, Dr. Benjamin Ricci. In 2018, Dr. Ricci received the Benco Dental Seattle Study Club Award, identified as a dentist who completed more than the required continuing education courses.

In 2025, Dr. Ricci was appointed by the former President of the Rhode Island Senate, Dominick Ruggerio, to serve on the Health Services Council. This advisory board makes recommendations to the Director of the RI Department of Health. He is also currently a Corporate Member of the Board at Delta Dental of Rhode Island, serving since 2019. Ricci is a recipient of the Saint Anselm College 10 Under 10 Recognition Program, and also serves as a member of the Board of the Global Science & Envirotech, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Dr. Eric is a volunteer for the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic. Recently, he was awarded the prestigious title of Fellow, in the International Dental Honor Society, the Pierre Fauchard Academy; nominated by one of his mentors, Dr. Barbara Caviccio. He maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, and the Rhode Island Dental Association. Rhode Island Monthly Magazine has named Dr. Ricci a "Top Dentist" every year since 2020.

In addition to drilling, Dr. Eric has been tilling his vegetable garden at the dental office every year since 2008. Eric enjoys photography, and all New England sports, especially the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots. Dr. Ricci and his wife have two children.

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