
DENTIST NEAR RIVERSIDE IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
A Dental Experience
You’ll Love
Why Patients in Riverside Choose Us
Anything but Standard
Locally Owned & Operated
Attention, Creativity, and Expertise Are Prioritized
Outstanding, Customized Dental Care
Safe, Clean, and Comfortable Office
Superior Service, Superior Results

Dr. Richard C. Mullens

Dr. James Nguyen
About Our Remarkable Dentists Near Riverside
Several Decades of Combined Experience
Prioritize Positivity, Sincerity, Confidence, and Boldness
Artistic and Detail-Oriented Duo
Committed to Countless Hours of Continuing Education
Active Members of Professional Organizations
Passionate About Providing Exquisite, Long-Lasting Results
Dr. Richard C. Mullens
For over three decades now, Dr. Mullens has been helping patients in and around Jacksonville smile brighter. Inspired by his own caring and helpful dentist, he chose to study at both Florida State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. After that, he chose to complete an Advanced General Dentistry Residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry at Jacksonville.
If these accomplishments weren’t impressive enough, Dr. Mullens has also amassed 1500+ hours of continuing education throughout his career. As a result, he’s undergone advanced training in everything from bite disorders and esthetic dentistry to dental implant therapy and rehabilitative dentistry. His goal first and foremost is always to provide those in his treatment chair with the absolute best, and he is thrilled to use his education, advanced training, and talent to do just that!
Dr. Mullens and his college sweetheart, Sherrill, have two grown children, Jordan and Tucker. When he isn’t helping patients or spending time with family, you’ll most likely find him water-fishing, riding his motorcycle, and traveling to National Parks!
Dr. James Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen has well over a decade of experience in the dental field, and each day he loves his job more and more! With family members who were dentists and physicians, he was drawn to healthcare at an early age. However, it wasn’t until his mother showed him that oral health and artistry are closely connected that he chose to follow in her footsteps. Now, he loves creating amazing, life-changing smiles with his own two hands!
For his studies, Dr. Nguyen attended the University of Florida. After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine, he completed a residency program that trained him to perform root canals, surgical tooth extractions, and countless other advanced procedures. With a passion for learning, he has continued his training throughout his career at world-renowned institutions like the Dawson Academy and Spear Education.
Dr. Nguyen is a first-generation immigrant who came to America with his parents and brother after the war ended. Now, he is married to his amazing wife, Jacqi, and has two pets, Piper and Barry. In his free time, he loves spending time with family, mountain biking, practicing photography, paddle boarding, and traveling!
What Other Valued Patients Are Saying

Wow! I have never had such a pleasant and thorough dental experience! My appointment started on time and then it just kept going up from there. As a new patient I was xrayed and photographed and checked for oral abnormalities at a level I didn’t know existed. My teeth are clean and shiny, I was seen and heard, and yes, I look forward to my next appointment!
Wende W.
Let Us Know How We Can Help
Finding a dentist near Riverside requires careful thought and consideration. This is why our team at Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen is here to deliver comprehensive dental services to you and your family. Not only are we committed to personalized treatment and outstanding results, but we believe in patient-focused care that leads to longer-lasting smiles. View our services below to learn more about what we have to offer.
How We Make Your Dental Care Affordable
We Welcome Dental Insurance
We Happily Accept Flexible Financing
Locating Our San Marco Dental Office
From essential preventive care to last-minute emergency dentistry close by, our San Marco dentists are here for you – we’re just down the street from the heart of San Marco! Our address is 3215 Hendricks Ave #1, Jacksonville, FL 32207. You’ll find us near Hendricks Avenue Elementary School, Metro Diner, and Southside United Methodist Church. If you have any difficulty finding us, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for step-by-step instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!
While looking for a dentist near San Marco, it’s completely normal to have a few lingering questions in mind even after reading the information above. At Distinctive Dentistry, we want to address all your concerns to help you feel well-informed. For that reason, we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our office for personal assistance!
How Do I Get Emergency Dental Care?
Dental emergencies are unsettling and can happen when you least expect them to. If you ever find yourself experiencing one, you may be unsure of what to do. Luckily, we’re here to help! You should contact our practice right away to find out what your next best steps should be. An experienced team member will schedule an emergency appointment and provide you with first-aid instructions to manage your situation in the meantime. If you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms like uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, and the inability to swallow, you should go to your nearest emergency room.
What Is the Best Way to Find a Cosmetic Dentist?
You may be surprised to learn that there is no single designation that qualifies a dentist to be a cosmetic dentist. However, there are organizations that offer advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. When searching for one, you should make sure the dentist has extensive involvement in one of the following high-profile organizations:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)

American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED)

Las Vegas Institute
How Do I Find the Best Place to Get Dental Work Done?
First and foremost, you should identify which factors are most important to you when it comes to dental work. Do you want a family-friendly dentist? One that offers comprehensive services? Orthodontic treatments? An office that’s closer to your home or work? After you’ve made a list of elements that are important to you, you can start searching for the perfect practice. Make sure you read up on patient reviews and staff bios to ensure they meet the criteria you’ve established.
What to Do If You Can’t Afford a Dentist?
Believe it or not, dentistry is affordable and offers a very high value if you work with your dentist to prevent serious oral health issues. Dental insurance is an excellent tool that can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses if you know how to use your benefits. If you don’t have dental insurance, we offer CareCredit financing to make your treatment as affordable as possible. It allows you to split up the overall cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments.