Melissa Papio, DMD, MS

Dr. Melissa Papio was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and raised in Avon, Connecticut. She completed her undergraduate degree at Boston College before attending University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine to receive her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD). She attended a general dentistry residency at Virginia Commonwealth University and finished her training at The Ohio State University Orthodontic Residency, where she received her Masters of Science. After orthodontic residency, Dr. Papio worked at a dental practice in Greenville, SC for over 3 years.

Dr. Papio had an interest in dentistry from a young age. In middle school, Dr. Papio and her best friend would go to their orthodontic appointments together. She was amazed by how the orthodontist was able to transform their smiles one appointment at a time. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to become an orthodontist. Dr. Papio worked as a dental assistant at an orthodontic office in high school, college summers, and even during dental school breaks. During this time, she fell in love with the mechanics and art behind orthodontics. Most importantly, she was drawn to the positive impact an orthodontist can have on a person’s life forever.

Dr. Papio is passionate about personal and professional growth. She strives to improve herself and her work every day and is passionate about doing the right thing (also a Riccobene motto). While she is a hard worker, she loves to enjoy life and tries to live it to the fullest. Dr. Papio is married to her husband, Peter and they have two Australian Labradoodles named Ziggy and Lila. They enjoy traveling to and exploring new places, creating memories along the way. In their spare time, they like hiking, boating, skiing, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Papio prides herself on treating each patient as if they were a family member and enjoys the friendships created along the way.