Rivera Is New Chairman of Endodontics
Dr. Eric M. Rivera has been appointed chairman of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry’s Department of Endodontics, effective Feb. 1.
Rivera, a faculty member at the school since 2003, previously served as interim chairman of the department.
He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, his DDS degree and his master’s degree and certificate in endodontics from UNC-Chapel Hill. After serving as graduate program director and chairman of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Rivera joined the UNC-Chapel Hill faculty as an associate professor.
Rivera’s career experience has spanned academic, private practice and corporate settings. His research areas include the biochemical and functional aspects of collagen cross-linking and structure of dentin related to tooth fracture and the use of calcium hydroxide as a medicine in root canal therapy.
In his new role, Rivera will lead efforts to increase the national and international prominence of the department, identify ways to advance patient-directed endodontic research and strengthen the graduate program, among other responsibilities.
“Dr. Rivera’s career has been distinguished by dedication to mentoring students and to scholarship,” said Dean John N. Williams. “He possesses expertise in information technology that will be vital to our school as we seek to meet the challenges and opportunities within academic dentistry in the 21st century.”
