Dr. Richard Gesker
Interim CEO, Mary’s Center
Dr. Richard Gesker serves as Mary Center’s Interim CEO and has been an integral part of Mary’s Center since 2010. He initially established the center’s dental program, which integrates three distinct operational models. These include a military, data-driven, high-volume, and safety protocol-driven office; a technology-intensive, private-practice staff-driven model of financial accountability; and a public health model focused on social responsibility, providing access and discounted dental care for all patients. This innovative, hybrid approach has contributed significantly to fulfilling Mary’s Center’s mission while ensuring sustainability in serving the underinsured and uninsured populations.
Before his current tenure at Mary’s Center, Dr. Gesker served as the Chief Dental Officer at UnitedHealthcare and the Director of Professional Development at Dental Associates of Wisconsin. His experience also extends to leadership roles with some of the country’s largest Dental Services Organizations (DSOs) and a tour as a Lieutenant Dentist in the Navy. These roles have enriched his expertise as a clinician and leader, especially in developing clinical protocols, quality initiatives, and strategic multi-office leadership.
Dr. Gesker holds degrees from Temple University School of Dentistry and Temple University School of Business, earning his DMD and MBA in 2003. Further specializing, he obtained a DOCS Fellowship in Oral Conscious Sedation to assist patients experiencing severe dental anxiety, enhancing both patient care and experience. Additionally, Dr. Gesker is an active educator, having taught at Temple University School of Dentistry as an adjunct faculty member. He also engages in lecturing, writing, and mentoring young dental professionals in practice management and career development.