Dr. Rick Waggener
"When I go to a health care provider, the most important thing to me is that they really listen to me to help me reach my health care goals. I could expect nothing less for my patient."
Dr. Rick Waggener grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1982. Since then, he has avidly pursued post-doctoral training in multiple disciplines of dentistry, notably at the L.D.Pankey Institute for Advanced Dentistry and the Parker Mahan Facial Pain Center at the University of Florida's Shands Hospital. He completes many hours of continuing education each year to keep pace with the rapid advancements in fields of dentistry such as jaw, face and head pain; aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry; implant restoration; pediatric, geriatric, and preventative dentistry; endodontics (root canals); periodontics (gums); and prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, & dentures). He is a member of the American Dental Association and its constituent groups; a member of the American Equilibration Society; an Alumnus of the Facial Pain Centre’s Mini-residency; and a member of a local study club.
Dr. Waggener first practiced dentistry in the US Navy, then moved to Merritt Island in 1985 where he has practiced ever since. His wife, Teresa, works for the office from home as bookkeeper. Their son, Chris, is an attorney with Williams, Leininger & Cosby.
Most gratifying for Dr. Waggener are the changes he sees in patients when they have health and function restored; when they get the smile they have always wanted; when a child thinks he hasn’t had a shot when he has; when an anxious patient finds out that treatment can be ok, and that we won’t judge them for their fear of dentistry; and when prevention pays off!
Away from the office, Dr. Waggener enjoys church, tennis, refereeing soccer, photography, hiking in the Smoky Moiuntains, and playing with his Labradors, Bailey and Hannah. He is committed to international Christian dental missions work, usually travelling and serving for about 10 days each year. Check out our Medical Missions page!
