About Dr. Richard Caringella
November 27, 2017
Merit Dental is introducing Dr. Richard Caringella to the Kalamazoo community. Dr. Caringella joined Dr. Brett Magnuson and the team at Merit Dental on S. Westnedge Avenue in early 2017.
After providing patient care at his own practice in Chicago for more than 30 years, Dr. Caringella and his wife decided it was time for a change. The fast paced city no longer fit their lifestyle. They’d fallen in love with the peaceful calm in Michigan and the home they purchased in Saugatuck more than 14 years ago.
“We found were spending more time in Saugatuck than in Chicago, so we thought what are we doing?” Dr. Caringella said. “It was time for something new and exciting.”
It was in Saugatuck that he met fellow dentist Dr. Magnuson. The two were fast friends. When the opportunity arose for Dr. Caringella to join Dr. Magnuson at Merit Dental in Kalamazoo, it seemed like a no-brainer to make the shift to Michigan full time. Now, the two dentists even commute to the office together when they can.
With a new opportunity in a more peaceful place, Dr. Caringella and his wife sold their house in Chicago. Making the move was an easy decision, but the Windy City still has a special place in his heart. “Chicago is a great town to visit,” Dr. Caringella said. “I still love to go there but I don’t want to live there anymore. I definitely don’t miss the traffic!”
Dr. Caringella grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where his father was a dentist. He has fond memories of spending time in his dad’s practice as a kid, but he wasn’t always certain that he would follow the same path. “I was a science and math guy, but I didn’t know if I was going to be a doctor or dentist,” he said. “I’ve always liked working with my hands.”
He ultimately decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, and joined his practice after receiving his degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry. They worked together for more than two decades and when Dr. Caringella’s father retired he kept the practice going.
“I was lucky because I got to pick my dad’s brain and learn all his pearls of wisdom,” he said.
He continues to carry that wisdom with him as he works with patients in Kalamazoo. Though Dr. Caringella has years of experience, he knows he’s the “new guy” to a lot of patients.
“I believe in treating my patients like kings and queens,” he said. “I want to build a relationship with them. I’m the new dentist for them here, but they are getting used to me and trusting me.”
Merit Dental in Kalamazoo is open Monday through Thursday with appointments available as early as 8:00 a.m. Dr. Caringella, Dr. Magnuson and the Merit Dental team are now accepting new patients of all ages. They can be reached at (269) 382-4300 or online at meritdental.com/kalamazoo.