Bio
The great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes once said ” Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” Doctor Rich Whalen, DDS, could not agree more.
When Rich left OLL in 1984 he traveled to Indiana to attend the University of Notre Dame. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science and Pre-Profession studies. In 1992, Rich earned his DDS at SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. After completing his residency at Castle Point VA Hospital, Rich entered a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists then with the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics. He completed extensive training in dental implants, reconstruction and cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry, and oral systemic corrections in dentistry.
Rich began his dental career in 1993 working with his father, Richard W. Whalen, DDS, in his private practice.
Wanting to strike out on his own, Rich opened Dental Design Studios in Poughkeepsie. Since 2005 he has been providing patients from Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam and Westchester Counties dental care that includes general, restorative and implant dentistry as well as TMJ treatment, all while using the most advanced dental technology available.
Rich has given notable contributions to the community as a former member of the Foundation Board at what was Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie as well as serving as chair with the Hudson Valley Business Scholars Program at Marist College.
He is also dedicated to the oral health of the residents of the Grace Smith House by providing them with dental care at no cost to them.
A die hard fan of the Notre Dame football team, Rich often makes the trip to Indiana to cheer on his alma mater. He has also been seen on the side lines of OLL cheering on our teams while remembering his time as a Lourdes baseball, basketball and tennis player.
“I’m proud to be a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes and cherish my days there and the friendships I continue to maintain.” Rich lives in Poughkeepsie and has two children, Zoe and Luke.
