The Dental Specialists 
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts, Biology (2010), St. Olaf College, Northfield, M
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (2015), Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- General Practice Residency (2016), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Certificate in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (2020), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Special Professional Interests
What I enjoy most about oral and maxillofacial surgery is the broad scope of the specialty. It is gratifying to be able to enhance people’s lives through rehabilitation of their oral condition, repair of traumatic facial injuries, or resolution of infection and pathologic conditions. My goal is to gain the trust of my patients by treating everyone as if they were a friend or family member.
Professional Activities
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Minnesota Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Dental Association
- Minnesota Dental Association
Verified Patient Reviews
4.8 out of 5
(293 Reviews)
(74 Comments)
Overall patient ratings are based on the average score given by The Dental Specialists patients who voluntarily complete a satisfaction survey from Press Ganey, a nationally recognized firm dedicated to improving patient experience. Click to learn more about our patient ratings.
5 out of 5
April 12, 2022
Dr. Rivers and his assistant are the very best.True professionals
5 out of 5
April 6, 2022
Dr. Rivers was very good and explained very thoroughly what was going to happen
5 out of 5
March 31, 2022
Both Drs. Explained my options very well, Answered repeat questions professionally which helped me make a informed decision.
5 out of 5
March 28, 2022
Good!
5 out of 5
March 28, 2022
I liked Dr. Rivers!
5 out of 5
March 28, 2022
Everything was explained very clearly. He also listen to me to take breaks.
5 out of 5
March 16, 2022
Excellent experience
5 out of 5
March 11, 2022
Each step of my visit was communicated to me well with very little wait time.
5 out of 5
March 11, 2022
Both the assistant and dentist were attentive to my needs. Each explained the process very well and made sure I understood and was comfortable.
5 out of 5
March 11, 2022
I don't enjoy going to the dentist, but everyone does a great job of making it the best possible experience.
5 out of 5
March 7, 2022
Dr. Rivers was very personable as well as knowledgeable and professional.
5 out of 5
March 3, 2022
I have additional issues and he guided me on my next steps for those. I appreciate the help and the recommendation for someone who will help.
5 out of 5
March 3, 2022
Thank you!
5 out of 5
February 28, 2022
Both assistant Kim and Dr. Rivers were amazing. They were very good about explaining everything to me.
5 out of 5
February 28, 2022
I was able to be seen right on time, which was great!
5 out of 5
February 28, 2022
I was very nervous about this appointment and all team members front to back were very supportive and patient with me.
5 out of 5
February 26, 2022
GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 out of 5
February 26, 2022
Doctor Rivers answered all my questions. He gave me a topical anaesthetiic by injection that I COULD NOT FEEL!!!!!!! And he followed with needle injections that I also could not feel!!!!!!!!!!!! He very quickly pulled the molar in question, and this was completely painless!!!!!!!! Bleeding was easily controlled . HE GAVE ME DIRECTIONS FOR after care that were easy to understand and were included in my take home kit. I had forgotten to ask him if there was any evidence of infection in the tooth, a question that my neurosurgeon had wanted me to ask.. Dr. Rivers assured me that the tooth was not infected and he did not recommend any f/u or treatment for Infection. Dr. McGivers, was pleased to hear this reassureance since I had.falllen at home and MRI showed I had fractured my DBS electrode. You can imagine what a helpflul encounter this was for me !!!!!!!!!
5 out of 5
February 14, 2022
Dr. Rivers is outstanding, he turned an uncomfortable procedure into a piece of cake.
4.8 out of 5
January 7, 2022
Very knowledgeable
5 out of 5
December 17, 2021
Everything went very smoothly and I appreciated the COVID protocols
5 out of 5
December 17, 2021
Excellent. They did a good job of making me feel comfortable
5 out of 5
December 17, 2021
Bothe dental assistant and the dentist were excellent. They explained very clearly what options for treatment were available to me with no pressure to follow any particular one. During the procedure the dentist kept me informed of what I could expect to feel, what he was doing in real time, what the different sounds meant. Having a tooth pulled may not be the greatest experience but they certainly made it as good as it could be. Excellent!!
5 out of 5
December 17, 2021
Very professional
5 out of 5
December 15, 2021
Great experience during the treatment (tooth extraction)
3.8 out of 5
November 14, 2021
The dental assistant and doctor made me very comfortable throughout the tooth extraction. I had very little pain.
3.8 out of 5
November 14, 2021
I don't typically give "Very Good" answers, but considering this was a somewhat extensive procedure, I felt everybody did a great job.
5 out of 5
November 8, 2021
Dr. Rivers was excellent!! He gave a professional opinion as to what he thought were good options for me as a patient. He was ethical and professional...I have already recommended him to others!
5 out of 5
November 8, 2021
Both dental assistant and dentist were very supportive
5 out of 5
November 8, 2021
I appreciated the skill of the doctor and the review of my follow up document by his assistant. I was relieved and grateful for such a positive experience.
5 out of 5
October 26, 2021
Without a doubt I would recommend Dr. Rivers and The Dental Specialists staff. They were professional, kind, understanding and dare I say even made an emergency oral surgery fun. I cannot thank you all enough.
5 out of 5
October 8, 2021
Dr. Rivers was very informative about the procedure and talked about implants. The whole procedure went smooth. The dental assistant answered all my questions and was very thorough.
5 out of 5
October 8, 2021
Relaxed atmosphere, super nice personnel. Quick, . Was pleased with containment of bleeding post extraction, slept first night without pain meds, little discomfort 3 days after, while it heals. Thank you! Pleasant experience.
5 out of 5
September 27, 2021
Love Dr. Rivers
5 out of 5
September 11, 2021
Had extraction done, good from beginning to end
5 out of 5
September 4, 2021
Everything went very well and smooth once I was brought back, I had some nerves and concerns. They were all taken care of in a timely manner
5 out of 5
September 2, 2021
Again, great service and very knowledgeable and able answer questions quickly
5 out of 5
September 2, 2021
The experience overall was great. They listened to the needs of my daughter and made her feel comfortable by answering all of her questions. The staff throughout the entire clinic were great.
5 out of 5
August 30, 2021
I have extreme dentist anxiety. They both really helped reduce my anxiety and were patient with me. I was allowed to play my own relaxing music and was explained what they were doing as they went along the procedure
5 out of 5
August 16, 2021
Dr Rivers is the epitome of what I'd like in an oral surgeon. He researches questions, explains options extremely well, even looked at a picture I sent him in an email when I had a cold and didn't want to expose the staff. He explains the options for treatment, and works incredibly well with my dentist and me. And his assistants have taught me a lot as well. I've learned a lot from all of the people I've worked with there, and I've been very happy with my treatments.
5 out of 5
August 13, 2021
He was just too nice and professional in his conduct
5 out of 5
August 13, 2021
Could not ask better care and service. Everyone was so helpful.
5 out of 5
August 13, 2021
Both DA and Dentist were terrific
5 out of 5
August 10, 2021
Dr.Rivers was very good, very fast and pain free extractions. I was very anxious so this made the process easier.
5 out of 5
August 9, 2021
Dr. Rivers is excellent at his job
5 out of 5
August 6, 2021
Can not tell you, he was patient, he listened to me.
3.1 out of 5
August 5, 2021
The oral surgeon was great in providing information about the surgery.
4.4 out of 5
July 12, 2021
The support staff is exceptional.
4.4 out of 5
July 12, 2021
I do not listen well when my teeth are involved. I was not certain of the timeline of my treatment and could not explain it clearly to my wife. The treatment itself was great.
5 out of 5
July 9, 2021
The assistant and dentist were reassuring and compassionate
5 out of 5
July 4, 2021
Very easy appointment from start to finish. Information was presented verbally and estimate was given immediately.
5 out of 5
June 28, 2021
He was very nice and explained things very well to me
5 out of 5
June 14, 2021
Everyone was great! Very helpful with assisting me in making a decision regarding the next step.
5 out of 5
June 3, 2021
The dentist was friendly and informative.
4.6 out of 5
May 21, 2021
good visit.
5 out of 5
May 14, 2021
Dr. Rivers explained everything clearly and was also very patient in answering my questions. He had a fabulous bedside manner. He was very reassuring and approachable.
5 out of 5
April 23, 2021
I am very pleased with Dr. Rivers. He is willing to spend time going over questions I have so that I fully understand what we are going to do. He is extremely patient and very knowledgeable.
5 out of 5
April 6, 2021
excellent care
4.6 out of 5
April 1, 2021
Treatment plan was very clear and in writing, very helpful.
4.4 out of 5
March 23, 2021
The assistant/nurse did all the beginning q&a and aftercare steps. The Dr/Surgeon did the extraction. He had a difficult time as the root was crooked, so it took him the full time with that. It was rushed a little at the end because of the difficulty, and me without insurance I didn't want to pay for any extras/add'l. So overall I was very satisfied/happy, as I didn't pay extra. The nurse/assistant could have been a non-surgical dentist too.
5 out of 5
March 11, 2021
very professional and kind!
5 out of 5
February 25, 2021
Dr. Rivers was wonderful! ended up nerding out on the radiography a little bit and he was honest with me about the level of concern for my roots.
4.9 out of 5
February 9, 2021
every staff member smiling and good communication. Dr. Rivers very kind,very thorough, non judgemental, great person and professional skills. trust him. hopefully conscious that I don't want a broken tooth and the high cost. couldn't I just have gas thru a mask to save me lots of money???
5 out of 5
February 8, 2021
The dentist is my least favorite place but the dental assistant and Dr. Chris made me feel calm before/during my procedure.
5 out of 5
February 4, 2021
excellent service.
5 out of 5
January 24, 2021
They were very thorough.
5 out of 5
January 19, 2021
So non-judgemental. It was wonderful
5 out of 5
January 15, 2021
Doctor was very professional.
5 out of 5
January 14, 2021
I had emailed a couple of questions in advance of the tooth extraction. Dr. Rivers took the time to research my concerns and thoroughly explained his answers. I could NOT have been more pleased with how seriously he addressed my questions. The dental assistant was also excellent as were the people who helped with scheduling. The scheduling manager was great in making sure I understood how much it was going to cost. Really first rate experience with every individual involved in my visit. Thank you, all.
5 out of 5
January 13, 2021
doctor was great!
5 out of 5
October 2, 2020
Very satisfied with the service I received from the dental assistant and oral surgeon!
2.5 out of 5
September 21, 2020
I had to rush everything so I could get back to work. I understand seeing multiple people in a day, but it was frustrating that I had to rush my experience.
4.9 out of 5
September 14, 2020
This was an exceptional dentist, I was very impressed. He answered all my questions, gave me needed tips I didn't ask for was not in a rush to get to the next patient, spent as much time with me as I needed and was personable. I think I detected a bit of a sense of humor. He did not feel sad for me with the procedure he was just matter of fact. This is where we are and this is where we need to go. As he was working on me he explained what he was doing which was very comforting. Explained when he completed a step and moving on to the next. I hope he treats all of his patience like he treated me. Never change or if you have to change only get better.
3.6 out of 5
September 4, 2020
This was the first time having this doctor and hence my apprehension with him. He did a good job and I would feel comfortable coming back to him.